I 




library of congress. 

Chap.'EZScopyright No. 
Shelt^RG^I.Y 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 







* 







YETTA SEGAL 


BY J 

HORACE J. ROLLIN 

) > 

AUTHOR OF “STUDIO, FIELD, AND GALLERY” 



NEW YORK. 

COPYRIGHT, 1898, BY 

G. W. Dillingham Co,, Publishers 

MDCCCXCVIII 
\.A ll rights reserved^ 


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4 


YETTA SfeGAL 


I. 

In the crisp brightness of a May morning, 
which had followed a night of copious showers, 
a young woman, of poise wonderfully in keeping 
with the refreshed atmosphere and cleansed sur- 
roundings, stood on the esplanade contemplating 
the fountain which is a notable feature of Cin- 
cinnati. And as this is a work which any city of 
superior decoration may covet, it is no wonder 
that her interest had the glow of enthusiasm. 

Besides being aesthetically responsive, this spec- 
tator was touched by the feeling which is well 
expressed in the springing water which falls from 
the ever-generous hands of that surmounting god- 
dess, — she realizes with the understanding of 

5 


6 


Yetta SigaL 


intelligent experience that there are many — even 
in lands of civilization — who should receive kind- 
lier showers ; and, musing on the practicality of 
this typical production, she speculates somewhat 
concerning the relation of the highly artistic to 
human needs in general. 

This philosophic phase of thought, however, 
being incidental, and lacking the cheerfulness of 
the morning and the place, was soon dismissed. 
After a few moments, she moved some distance 
to the westward of the bronze group and selected 
a position which was very favorable for viewing 
the ensemble in an effect of misty, sparkling light 
and vapory, palpitating shadow. 

The impression was so charmingly dominating 
that she was undisturbed by the adjacent sounds 
and movements. The stirring, noisy animation 
of the several adjoining streets, and indeed the 
people directly in front of her — more or less de- 
monstrative — were excluded or subdued by well- 
regulated receptive faculties ; for even the beauti- 
fully vague reflections in the wet surfaces had 
just then more of definition for this accomplished 


Yetta S^gaL y 

observer than the strongest accents of the irrel- 
evant. 

But the extraordinary enjoyment was soon 
abated, and then this possessor of increased hap- 
piness and power and determination proceeded 
to the eastern end of the place, where she looked 
for a car ; not seeing it, she promptly crossed to 
a small stand and obtained some fruit. 

At the instant when she was turning away, 
three young men came rapidly around the corner, 
one of whom immediately raised his hat. The 
salutation of the others, following like an echo, 
suggested that they might be strangers. 

All were evidently of the Jewish race, and the 
one who knew the lady was the least handsome 
of the three. His features, besides being strik- 
ingly racial, were peculiarly marked. His height 
was above the medium, and his form exhibited a 
superabundance of material which did not bear 
the impress of refinement. Apparently the entire 
physique was unusually strong and active. 

Though the recognition which the lady gave 
had certain elements of the cordial, to close 


8 


Yetta S^gaL 


observation it appeared modified by a singular 
reserve — a reserve, however, that was perhaps 
indefinable if its description depended upon 
what the face expressed in the way of dis- 
closure. 

From this, and from her manner in the matter 
of willed obliviousness at the fountain, it may be 
presumed that the individual was capable of ad- 
mirable self-control. 

Now, it is remarkable that in the young man’s 
expression, at the moment when he became 
aware of her presence, there was something 
which appeared simultaneously as the foil-like 
counterpart of her exceptionable yet barely per- 
ceptible feeling. But in this instance, the mani- 
festation could have been classified by one of fine 
discernment. 

Values are comparative. After this glimpse of 
the three faces — which, while decidedly mascu- 
line, are, by some psychologic shortcoming 
lacking in handsome masculinity — the female’s is 
enhanced by an additional endowment. Yet no 
conscious comparison is needed for this face, as 


Yetta Sigal. 9 

it already has positive . attractiveness, which 
everywhere maintains itself spontaneously. 

The incidental meeting, perhaps more than her 
physiognomy itself, suggests that this acquaint- 
ance of the young men may bear tribal relation- 
ship. A slight scrutiny makes the fact apparent 
that neither the ancestors of this person nor their 
kinsmen were at the place when its picturesque 
log structures, as a collection, bore the quaint 
name of Losantiville. 

In the young woman's features there was some- 
what of Jewish accentuation, yet not so much as 
to attract particular attention in a general assem- 
blage. Her presence hardly prompts the thought 
of race characteristics, or of any kind of preju- 
dice ; but it hints that the clearness of her being, 
like a pure, placid lake, first reflects in full breadth 
what is near, with small space and vague pres- 
entation for the far-back — a phenomenon which 
is perhaps characteristic of the dawn of the 
coming century. Not a few observers find it 
agreeable to contemplate those cosmopolitan 
effects which naturally appear to indicate that 


10 


Yetta Sigal, 


types coming from remote anthropoid periods 
may be passing away. 

The attire of this young woman was not only 
suitable as to common use, but it was so prettily 
becoming as to be a source of pleasurable interest 
to the refined. From the shapely hat, with its 
carefully careless decoration, to the elegant feet, 
the clothing, though inexpensive, was hand- 
somely appropriate. Even the lunch-basket 
seemed made to be carried by such exquisite 
hands, and with that graceful movement. 
Finally, the sweet adornment on her bodice ap- 
peared to be the blossomy complement of an 
adorable heart. 

Her movements, and indeed her general ap- 
pearance, indicated that the subject of this 
sketchy introduction was not a stranger in the 
city by the Ohio. 

Within the next few moments she entered a car 
that was marked “ Eden Park.” The idea may 
seem fanciful, but, so far as she was concerned, 
it might have been inappropriate if the convey- 
ance had been designated as one “for the Garden 


Yetta S^gaL 


II 


of Eden ” — a term which may be suggestive of 
such destiny as probably exerts no centripetal 
power over this self-willed mover. 

Eden Park, too, is beautified with a blossom ; 
it, also, is embellished by a manifestation of fine 
taste and good philosophy, for an Art Museum, 
with its adjoining school, is the object of supreme 
interest there. 

On arriving at this place, the young woman 
entered the school-building and quietly joined 
one of the advanced classes, to which she had 
just been promoted. 


12 


Yetta S^gaL 


II. 

When Yetta S^gal was about five years old she 
was suddenly deprived of both parents by an 
awful disaster. This left her without a near rela- 
tive ; and unfortunately there was no one of 
sufficient goodness and intelligence to care for 
her personally and look after her interests. 

The family had been living in a small town in 
southern Illinois, where Mr. Segal kept a store. 
He had considerable means — enough to have 
maintained the child properly. 

It was fortunate for her, as time showed, that 
just before the fatal occurrence he had deposited 
a few thousand dollars temporarily in a New 
York bank, to which concern he was a stranger. 
The certificate and most of his. private papers 
went the way of their vanished owner, and several 
years passed before the fact became known to 
those directly concerned with Yetta’s affairs. 


Yetta S^gal. 


13 


Meantime, the situation was very unfavorable 
indeed for her, and it became so deplorable in its 
cumulative effects that she narrowly escaped 
physical and mental ruin. 

To have the unhappy chapters of Yetta Sdgabs 
history is not desirable, and a detailed account 
of this early distress is not necessary — a more 
important, a more promising kind of realism con- 
cerns us. 

She was in the immediate custody of those who 
were hard, selfish, and unscrupulous. This was 
mostly the fault of a Probate Court which had the 
elements of incompetency and of indirect, if not 
direct, criminality ; but more primarily, it was 
due to the conscienceless efforts of a lawyer who 
— like some of his profession — found it materially 
profitable to obstruct the movements of equity, 
to the injury of proper interests, public and pri- 
vate, and therefore to the serious detriment of 
developing civilization. 

A leading and seemingly reputable lawyer of 
that town where the Segal property was, and 
where the little girl still resided, had, for a “ con- 


H 


Yetta S^gaL 


sideration, ” secured the appointment of an im- 
proper person to take charge of her and the estate. 
So, most of the money for her support was di- 
verted, and she was shamefully restricted and 
oppressed. Her education was long neglected, 
— that is to say, such education as is nobly de- 
sirable ; most of the practical knowledge and 
power of mental vision which she acquired from 
the human text-book was of a sorry kind. 

In many respects this little creature closely 
resembled the plant which intelligently struggles 
toward light and air out of dark and oppressive 
environment — weak in texture, form, and color, 
and sadly lacking in blooming vitality. 

Unhappily, this period extended over six or 
seven years, and meantime those feelings and 
cognitions which are generally and somewhat 
vaguely designated as the soul, were more or less 
distorted into abnormal conditions. 

From her isolation she looked upon many 
pleasures, that were the helpful experiences of 
fellow-beings, with harmful suspicion — as those 
religiously morbid have regarded the beauties 


Yetta S^gal. 


15 


and joyous spontaneity of the natural : laughter, 
flowers, rational hope, normal satisfaction, all 
appearing to be but “snares" of that “evil 
one " who once had desired the unusual condi- 
tion of a self-satisfying being. 

Only, in her case the deprivation was involun- 
tary — she had been all eagerness at first ; but 
later she began to feel that the enjoyment which 
others had was identified with her want, and so 
she learned to fear and suspect. 

This is no wonder ! for when expectation, con- 
fidence, and the semi-reasonable idealism of 
childhood showed themselves as charmingly as 
early flowers, they were checked and almost 
extinguished by a blighting atmosphere. 

In brief, no one had the normal care for little 
Yetta Sdgal, which makes existence safe ; much 
less the beautiful solicitude which makes life 
redolent. 

Through certain incidents, which seemed ac- 
cidental, a Jewish commercial traveler discov- 
ered the identity of this child, her hard situation, 


i6 


Yetta S^gaL 


and the fact of the long-unclaimed bank deposit. 
Having admirable impulse and energy, he soon 
dispelled the afflictions which weighed so heavily 
upon Yetta. Not only was she relieved of these, 
but within a few weeks she found herself in a 
strange position surrounded by a whole horizon 
of benefits which converged as naturally toward 
her as had those overwhelming harms. 


Yetta S^gal. 


17 


III. 

A HAVEN was found at Cincinnati, in the home 
of an old woman whose harmonious heart de- 
lighted those who approached her, and whose in- 
harmonious face amused many a one too serious 
to be agitated by the ordinary ; but to Yetta — 
who had long shrunk from complex and intricate 
and blasting ugliness — the features of this marvel 
soon began, in a way, to appear beautiful. She 
here learned that such beauty as manifests itself 
amid unaesthetic configuration is of a far more 
gratifying order than the physical symmetry 
which is poorly or badly vivified. 

This home — which had no other occupants — 
was very common, except that it was unusually 
comfortable ; though small, it was large enough 
for the growth of such a still and slender child, 
whose movement had been cramped and whose 

talent for expansion had been oppressed. 

2 


Yetta S^gaL 


i8 

In time she was sent to a primary school, and 
here, too, there was a period of rather vague ex- 
perience before the receptive faculties were fairly 
ready for impressions. After that she progressed 
at least as well as certain very eminent people 
did while they were in the miseries of educational 
day-and-night sweats, longing for a counter-irri- 
tant to mis-fit examples from the text-books, 
which were standard only temporarily. 

In a timid way she responded a little to the 
friendly advances of a few persons — her teachers 
and one or two schoolmates. 

Thus the little girl began the new life, some 
time passing before she was able to perceive the 
reality and probable continuance of such good 
fortune ; for she was dazed, and her thoroughly 
aroused suspicions could not be readily mollified. 

But hers was a nature of irrepressible longings, 
which in some respects had been intensified by 
the prolonged misfortune. So, presently she 
began to avail herself more confidently of 
those opportunities which appeared clear and 
safe, 


Yetta S^gal, 19 

Meantime, the way in which Yetta appealed to 
Mrs. Swartz, was touching : 

Grandma, will you lei me do that ? ” 

‘‘Oh, ril iry to be very good, if — ” 

“May /play like those children, grandma?” 

“Yes, you may, dear.” 

“ Will no one, no one be angry ? ” 

“Little lamb, do not be afraid.” Then the 
suggestiveness of her smile filled the eyes of the 
compassionate old woman. 

That she showed not the least disposition to 
excess in her little amusements was truly pathetic 
— she was fully satisfied with even less than 
moderation. 

In time, there was such happy understanding 
between these two that a nod responded to the 
appeal that was expressed by the eyes only. 

The effect of such illumination upon those eyes 
was a wonderful subject to contemplate ! 

How interesting is the beginning of enjoyment 1 
Even the tuning of an instrument may give pe- 
culiar pleasure — now, untuned, it is wrong, and 


20 


Yetta Sdgal, 


consequently discord is produced by which the 
sensitive are annoyed or distressed ; but a few 
touches of intelligent effort bring it into close re- 
lations with the finest feelings. Moreover, the 
conditions of the new adjustment include delight- 
ful promise, and exquisite possibility throbs into 
new life ! 

Does not the attuning of discordant strings in- 
dicate that it is the destiny of man, of the very 
spirit of humanity, to overcome material as well 
as psychic maladjustment ? Does it not show 
that certain of our ancestors — while looking into 
the future fora fixed existence — were quite wrong 
in abandoning the physical part of mysterious 
equilibrium, as a situation wrecked by unnatural 
storms ? 

And, finally, do not the phenomena incident 
to the overcoming of unhappy material relations 
declare that the spirit itself cannot be truly unific 
except on philosophic conditions .? Do not these 
very conditions comprehend common matter, 
reasonable movement, and natural interchange ? 


Yetta S^gaL 


21 


IV. 

In a comparatively short time Yetta was fully 
prepared to enter the intermediate school. Her 
condition had become normal. In some respects 
she was no more remarkable than most children 
who are fairly fortunate ; but in other and very 
important respects she was strikingly distinguish- 
able. Experience had made her philosophic far 
beyond her years. Not many mere children look 
deeply for the conditions of happiness and unhap- 
piness ; not many adults, even, profoundly con- 
sider the problems of symmetrical advancement 
for both individual and society, — and this Yetta 
Segal was doing before she was half through the 
high school. This fact was no more, wonderful 
than the system of cause and effect of which the 
phenomenon itself was an instance. Her expe- 
rience — in which suffering had given place to 
enjoyment — and her capacity for thought, natu- 


22 


Vetta S^gat. 


rally directed her mind into the way of close ob- 
servation. Besides, she had a decided talent for 
activity. 

In a large city there are numerous object les- 
sons for the student of humanity — the contrasts 
are painful, startling, suggestive. The field for 
the meliorist is both extensive and comprehen- 
sive. 

It afforded this girl no end of pleasure to be 
identified with the work of a society of philan- 
thropists — the Associated Charities. The man- 
agement soon realized her great usefulness. She 
gathered invaluable information. Often she dis- 
covered the causes of degrading poverty and 
avoidable suffering, specified them clearly, and 
indicated the proper relief. She was a good 
reader of motives, a ready estimator of ability, — 
in brief, she was a logical assistant, and in the 
course of years much distress was mitigated 
or entirely obviated through her intelligent en- 
deavor. 

But Yetta S^gal could not be depended upon to 
carry angel-cake” to the prison — she did not 


Yetta S^gal. 


23 


favor stirrings the soul by deranging the stomach ; 
and as for flowers, she trusted more implicitly in 
the century-plant blooms of steady evolution. 
She remarked to a certain groping philanthropist : 
‘‘The emotion which is not sustained by peren- 
nial reason must be dangerous. " 

It was not the school-girl who said this, — it was 
the far-seeing young woman, on the alert for mor- 
al deflection, relapse, and ruinous breach of trust. 
And this utterance came after she had made 
extended and perplexing search through great 
libraries for a consistent philosophy of life. 

In this search she found little to encourage, 
much to amaze. There was also some evidence 
that aroused suspicion. She decided that in order 
to judge wisely the whole record must be consid- 
ered as a unit. As she saw that it contained good, 
bad, and indifferent ; as she perceived that mere 
glimmerings had developed, in time, into positive 
light, and that the mirage of ghostly truth had 
often vanished after a forward movement on the 
journey, — Yetta Sdgal, having the capacity, felt 
an infinite desire for a system which would 


24 


Vetta S^gaL 


include an explanation of such a phenomenon as 
the record itself. Perceiving this to be a mirror 
of successive phases of Man, and that intelligence 
had been slowly cumulative on the various lines, 
she saw the necessity of belief in the evolutionary 
law of life. 

In a word, at a time when Darwin was the 
most abused man on the more illuminated side 
of the globe, this young person — who, to some 
light-headed people appeared to be poorly bal- 
anced — was wondering as to the next great truth 
which would come involved in seeming degrada- 
tion, to spur the laggard on a glorious journey ! 

% 

As Yetta S^gal ceased to be a child at five, she 
seldom engaged in play with the children at Cin- 
cinnati with whom she was associated ; but she 
had some pleasure in witnessing their thoughtless 
gambolings — none the less because there was 
philosophy in it. While still a child in years, she 
spent her holidays and most of her leisure hours 
in contemplating the works of great men and 
women, — she often played truant from the class 


Vetta S^gal. 


25 


of childhood and went among people of full linear 
measurement. Enjoying much liberty in her way 
of living, she even went unattended to the lecture, 
the opera, the industrial exposition. She some- 
times attended public meetings at the great Music 
Hall. She liked that place. There she often 
heard the tones of the great organ ; but the com- 
pass of that grand instrument was not so full as 
that of her soul, — for in that were many splendid 
vibrations not caused by the organ, but by the 
sublime symphony of her life. 


26 


Yetta S^gaL 


V. 

“ I’m sure he has questionable designs — I must 
warn you, my dear girl ! ” 

This may not be true of him, Doctor Min- 
nem, — at any rate, I am able to take care of 
myself. ” 

^‘But there is danger in hypnotism — except 
when prescribed by a physician — in small doses, 
— you know I am a thorough-going homeopa- 
thist.” 

“Of course, the minimum dose is safer for 
weak constitutions and the childlike — this must 
be true especially of hypnotism, since such pa- 
tients naturally attract it in large doses.” 

“ Ha, ha ! But seriously, Yetta Segal, I have 
seen your eye light up when he — ” 

“Abe Swampstein sometimes shows real kind- 
ness, — besides, if his soul is as Jewish as his face, 
he—” 


Yetta S^gat. 


27 


“Nonsense ! I assure you, my little girl, there 
is much twaddle in that general talk about the 
domestic reliability of all male Jews — they do 
not have to be Christianized in order to show the 
usual proportion of bad individuals. As for Abe 
Swampstein, I am sufficiently well informed of 
his ways to be fearful of his influence upon even 
so careful a girl." 

Yetta Segal smiled pleasantly, being quite 
amused. 

About the time when she had graduated from 
the high school — which was when she was com- 
paratively young — it became apparent that sev- 
eral Jewish young men were looking in her 
direction with characteristic enterprise. The 
charming embodiment of psychic power is, of 
course, especially inspiring; and it is not sur- 
prising that a young woman of so many admi- 
rable qualities as she possessed should inspire 
ardor in the ardent, as well as respect in the 
respectable. 

As for young men prospecting for happiness, — 
well, Yetta being so lovable, love appeared amid 


28 


Yetta S^gaL 


her surroundings as spontaneously as dandelions 
show themselves in the violet-scented groves of 
springtime. 

But the sedate girl was not to be hurried in 
this matter — she would take time, and be very 
circumspect withal. Whoever formed an alliance 
with her in such a cause would discover that she 
had full cognizance of her preference, and full 
faith in its duration. 

So the lovers, or the would-be lovers, and their 
particular attentions were regulated becomingly. 

But it was not in her nature to remain un- 
touched by a kindness — her appreciation had 
been too strongly developed by her sorry ex- 
perience in earlier years with the unkindly to 
permit such an attitude ; so she accepted all 
kindness with gracious manifestation. But as 
seeming encouragement was thus suggested to 
admirers — even those of bad motives — compli- 
cations arose which were unsatisfactory to others 
fully more than to herself. . 

In the neighborhood where Yetta Sdgal lived at 
this time was a family with which she had the 


Yetta SdgaL 


29 


most friendly social relations. Here, in a house 
that was cordially opened to a general and some- 
what varied society, the limited circle of her 
acquaintance had been extended so that it in- 
cluded the young man Swampstein, among 
others. A casual glimpse of him has already 
been had, as he appeared at Fountain Square, on 
the morning when Yetta Segal was introduced to 
the reader. 

He had come to Cincinnati recently to live ; 
but it is probable that Dr. Minnem knew his char- 
acter, for, aside from such special information as 
she doubtless possessed, to the practised eye, 
his presence was unmistakably indicative of the 
gross and sensual. 

But her alarm concerning the supposed danger 
to Yetta was unnecessary, since she was well 
protected by her sensitive intuition. 

Although she naturally wished to avoid giving 
offense to any living creature, there came a time 
when the advances (good or bad) of Mr. Swamp- 
stein had to be peremptorily checked. There- 
after, notwithstanding her continued kindness, 


30 


Yetta S^gal. 


he felt some embarrassment on meeting her, 
which was by no means mitigated on his learn- 
ing that Miss Segal’s shrewd friend had taken a 
practical interest in the case. 

As a little girl, Yetta Segal had become greatly 
attached to Mrs. Minnem, for the doctor had 
treated her (in health as well as in sickness) with 
exceptional kindness. As women they remained 
mutually loyal. Miss Segal made philosophic 
allowance for the peculiarities of her friend, which 
were sometimes rather startling ; and she enjoyed 
it when Dr. Minnem said sharp things about the 
Jews, even more than when modern Christians 
were criticised for their wicked inconsistencies. 

As a young practitioner, the doctor was so en- 
thusiastically in favor of the small dose that when 
Mr. Minnem insisted on the large-dose practice 
in conducting his own case of dipsetic derange- 
ment she left him and procured a divorce. 

Thereafter, she watched with intelligent sus- 
picion men who went according to the wrong 
school, in the general practice of life. 


Yetta S^gaL 


31 


Although the action of Dr. Minnem in the 
Swampstein matter was no real help to Yetta S^gal, 
she did something involuntarily which the latter 
claimed had a decided influence upon her, and, 
indeed, marked an epoch in her study of philoso- 
phy. 

It was this way: Doctor Minnem — overwhelmed 
by too hard work during intensely hot weather 
— suddenly became quite ill, one night. But she 
did not call a physician, believing that a certain 
medication would relieve her. So she arose, found 
her medicine-case and swallowed a minute portion 
of the remedy. This act was performed in dark- 
ness, as the matches were out. It became neces- 
sary, however, to repeat the dose, and, within a 
few minutes, it was doubled. The illness increas- 
ing seriously, the amount of medicine was quad- 
rupled, since it was in a comparatively harmless 
form. 

Yetta Segal lived next door, and being summoned 
by a servant, she hurried in, like a good Samaritan. 
When she arrived, her friend was apparently in 
a very dangerous condition, and sinking. As 


32 Yetta S^gaL 

yet, no physician had been found ready to re- 
spond. 

Meanwhile, Miss S^gal, perceiving the patient to 
be cold, plied her with allopathic doses of brandy. 
She also applied hot water bags, after the way of 
a most generous hydropathist ; she ordered steam 
raised, that the virtues of the ‘^steam-school” 
might be utilized. She wondered what cunning 
appliances or inventions would be necessary in 
order to test the efficacy of the “patent-school” 
and she even decided to attach a poke-p,oultice to 
the feet, strong enough to draw Mrs. Minnem out 
of bed — and danger. “That,” she whispered to 
the patient’s brother, in a manner suggestive of 
amusement (for the crisis was now surely past), 
— ^‘ihai would represent the very root of the 
‘herb-school.’ ” 

“And something ‘ fetching ’ might be applied 
to the scalp,” remarked the rude brother, “after 
the manner of the good old ‘ Indian-school,’ which 
has been successfully practised in country dis- 
tricts. ” 

“Yetta,” said her weak-voiced medical friend 


Yetta S^gaL 33 

an hour later, Til tell you all about it to-morrow 
— it was alarming symptoms of poisoning/’ 

So, as there were no secrets between the two, it 
transpired that the doctor, through a mistake which 
hovered in darkness that was material if not in- 
tellectual, had taken eight or ten doses of concen- 
trated medicine, which she kept handy, as a sort 
of masked battery, to let loose on pathologic in- 
truders that refused to retire gracefully on being 
notified gently. 

When Doctor Minnem gave the promised ex- 
planation, the two were riding in her carriage; for 
she sometimes took her friend to the suburbs, for 
a ride. 

Yetta S^gal put her arm around the doctor and 
proceeded to give her a breezy lecture on the 
mistakes of schools in general, beginning with the 
medical. 

“My friend, you should sail under true colors, 
and pay more attention to the size of your bottle, 
— you cannot safely reduce the proportions of 
your conscience. 

“ Only the common sense requirements of the 

3 


34 


Yetta S^gal, 


case can correctly decide the treatment ; and if 
a majority of troubles indicate the minute dose, 
this is a fact which, when identified with a school, 
must increase the chances of fatal mistake in those 
instances in which more than a little is im- 
perative. 

“If any school systematically prescribes the large 
dose, it is a pity; for no one — except a degraded 
druggist, coroner, or funeral director — would per- 
sistently recommend the imposing quantity. 

^‘It is remarkable that a peculiarity of one 
school may be used to better advantage in another. 
The infinitesimal-amount idea, for instance, more 
properly belongs to the faith-cure school which is 
a link (and it is hoped it will come to be a missing 
link) between the remedies of therapeutics and 
those of sect. 

“If it is true that each phenomenon of the 
mind, in turn, has a use, it must be true that 
schools and sects are useful chiefly to the natu- 
rally stupid, who, without them, would blunder 
most egregiously. 

“The infinite faculty of common sense enables 


Yetta Sigal, 


35 


us to perceive and utilize the fact which the case 
requires. This is wonderfully demonstrated in 
the department of mechanics, and may be in all 
of the affairs of life, which are improved by the 
system of reasonable selection and rejection.” 

Whether Yetta Segfal was right or wrong, the 
event increased a peculiar tendency of her mind. 


36 


Yetta S^gal. 


VI. 

Miss S^gal began the regular study of Art for 
two leading reasons. 

She had a strong desire to engage in some con- 
genial work which would have sufficient com- 
mercial value to insure independence, as to means 
of living. The chief reason, however, was the 
fact that her talent was every day calling for op- 
portunity, all the more because it was reinforced 
by constant philosophic observation. 

Perhaps Yetta S^gal was especially inclined to 
harmonious art, because she had realized such un- 
happiness as comes of inharmonious nature. At 
any rate it was her belief that it is the mission of 
man, as to general life, to improve the imperfec- 
tion of common, unassisted nature. 

She also believed that although Fine Art is not 
necessarily identified with the teaching of moral- 
ity, ethical growth must sometimes be inspired, 


Yetta S^gal. 37 

and its general adjustment must be facilitated, 
by the harmony of Art. 

Moreover, she had logical hope of practical 
success, as well as pleasure, in the profession, 
for the reason that she had seen no works that 
fully corresponded to her feelings — those feelings 
which she experienced when in the presence of 
certain wonderful phases of objective nature. 

She considered herself fortunate in having access 
to the many fine subjects which surround Cincin- 
nati, — the exquisite pastoral scenery of portions of 
Kentucky ; the charming views along the Great 
and the Little Miami rivers, the narrow valley of 
the latter being unsurpassed in its way. And 
the golden tone of the Ohio at its high stage, 
with happy complement of color : the peculiar 
atmospheric effects of the city itself, and the varied 
figures therein, — all these afforded her extraor- 
dinary pleasure and a wealth of material. 

These subjects, however, belong to those clas- 
sifications which engage the attention of intelli- 
gent students the world over. Miss S^gal also 
perceived phases of life which led her into pro- 


38 


Yetta S^gat. 


found investigation of the ideal, — the element 
which distinguishes the Fine Arts, and which, 
she concluded, must be a natural force manifested 
in them. 

The philosophic Yetta even went so far as to 
evolve the thought that the ideal is the basis for 
all improvement. 

“For,” she remarked to her friend, the doctor, 
after declaring that the human mind itself must 
open new fields as well as the microscope and 
telescope, “it is true that the ideality of life is 
even more astonishing and encouraging than the 
so-called reality. I am convinced that a myste- 
rious union of the two has been identified with all 
advancement, since the most wonderful improve- 
ments have been made without a set copy ! ” 

At the particular Art School which she attended, 
she was taught necessary thoroughness without 
being impressed with academic characteristics. 
The principal of the school was glad to assist a 
pupil of decided individuality, one who had native 
needs to be looked after. By being thus favored, 
her independence was not detrimental. 


Yetta S^gal. 


39 


She soon realized that in order to distinguish 
herself it was absolutely necessary to develop 
those faculties which would enable her to receive 
and record the unexpected and the spontaneous 
— spontaneity unclassified, but of a very vital 
and superlative kind. 

“It is of transcendent importance,” she said to 
herself — and also to her teacher — “ that I shall 
express my own spirit, but not that of a school. 
Therefore, I shall take no more from Art nor 
from Nature than is necessary to the force and 
clearness of my expression. 

“ How shall I do it? Already I perceive that 
I must proceed technically in a way that is 
founded upon my own observation and feeling. 
The method must be my own, to be of cumula- 
tive and culminating value. 

“Otherwise, I should have to relinquish some- 
what of individuality and development. Neither 
I myself, nor Art, nor the world in general, can 
afford to have me do so.” 

As for the infinite value of liberty, she had 
already experienced a shock on discovering that 


40 


Vetta S^gaL 


schools of art, medicine, religion, etc., in order 
to exist, must have restraining influences at points 
where liberty brings splendid results. 

Yetta Sdgal felt that the criticism of schools is 
in order, and that its practice requires no marvel- 
ous knowledge, since the faults of each school, 
in its turn, are pointed out by representatives of 
all the others. 

On the other hand, she could not fail to appre- 
ciate their stronger elements, and the idea oc- 
curred to her that they must be useful to the 
independent worker and the world in general. 

“I believe,” she declared, ‘‘that fine results 
may come of a rational fusion of the various 
schools of Art.” (As yet, this radical investi- 
gator had not studied the stock-farm, for the pro- 
cess of cross-breeding according to specific needs 
would have found significant association in her 
mind.) 

As for the creative power by which the original 
artist is distinguished, she concluded that it must 
be gathered eclectically, by a process of selection 
that may — under certain circumstances — include 


Yetta S^gal. 


41 


fragments of Art, as well as the general material 
of Nature, and the undefined yearnings of the 
soul, — all to be glorified by growth unific. There- 
fore, to be in harmony with the ideal element of 
Art, this selection logically includes the unde- 
veloped and the more or less vague, wherever 
found. 

It was thus she proceeded, and with gratify- 
ing results. Before she had finished her studies 
at the School, her practice showed a most unusual 
and exquisite sense of selection. 

It will be well for her, indeed, if she can ex- 
ercise so happily this individual right in all the 
affairs of life. 


4 ^ 


Vetta S^gal. 


VIL 

The theory has been advanced that profound 
thought, or the labor incident to great mental ac- 
tivity, is conducive to facial ugliness, — with the 
“central-text” indicating that woman, as the 
“weaker vessel,” should stand off from such a 
dangerous phenomenon as intellectual strength. 

Well, in the instance of Yetta Sdgal, this 
theory of suspicious origin is so far from prac- 
tical demonstration that, as a matter of felicitous 
fact, the intelligent have a rare treat in meeting 
her face to face. 

It is well to note her more impressive and dis- 
tinguishing qualities at this time, for she has fin- 
ished that part of her career which is commonly 
called student life, and is taking a place as an 
active inhabitant of the cosmopolitan world. 

The attractiveness of Miss Segal is by this time 
so pronounced as to be quite unusual ; and as she 


Vetta S^gat. 


43 


has that peculiar power which meanness shrinks 
from facing, so she is especially attractive to the 
noble. 

Fully sympathetic, her wealth of sympathy was 
not impaired by useless and harmful prodigality. 

Since the superior qualities of this well-balanced 
young woman were never manifested mal- 
apropos, her truth and candor always appeared 
truly admirable to those of fine sense of pro- 
priety. 

Her ideality, though strong, was never unrea- 
sonable ; and as applied to Art, it was not of the 
puzzle variety. For instance, her pictures could 
not be hung upside-down without an early dis- 
covery. 

She perceived with wonderful certainty that the 
ideal has two phases, the abnormal or morbid and 
the normal, and that each has its counterpart in 
the realm of real life, so called. She realized that 
only a strong combination of normal forces can 
resist the harmful influences of the abnormal ; and 
for her the term maladjustment had a world of 
meaning. 


44 


Yetta S^gal. 


Whatever may have been the cause of the fact, — 
whether it was due to the early death of her parents 
or to her remarkably broad and non-exclusive 
mind, or whether there was a union of determining 
conditions, — it is true that Yetta Segal was not a 
strict Jew. Her affiliation with the people of her 
race was limited — it was not complete in a sec- 
tarian way. However, this did not weaken the 
bond which held her to a number of them. She 
was particularly attracted to a certain old. Rabbi 
who saw her grow up. As he was identified 
with the educational affairs of Cincinnati, of 
course he interested himself practically in her 
general instruction. The passing away of this 
kind and able friend was to her a real grief ; and 
she expressed it, now to Jew, now to Gentile, 
with a feeling that could not show bias. 

Since Yetta S^gal was animated with the breath 
and spirit of modern life, it was fitting, indeed, 
that destiny soon provided for her another in- 
valuable friend in one who saw neither sect nor 
race in life’s fair field. 

It was fitting, too — since her moving spirit was 


Yetta S^gaL 


45 


progression itself — that the coming friend was 
eclectic to a degree which could hardly be pre- 
figured by her happiest dreams. 

In earlier life, to her the mystery of existence 
was horrible ; now, it was as charming as her 
own embodiment of it. 


46 


Yetta S^gaL 


VIII. 

One fine, fortunate day in early spring a gen- 
tleman appeared at Chattanooga’s leading hotel 
and registered the name : John Skoopmen. It is 
not fair to suspect him because he recorded no 
place of residence — there was good reason for 
this. 

As a matter of fact, his name was Jan, for so 
he had been christened, according to the wish of 
his father. But as his mother was English, and 
as he himself was born in America, he wrote the 
name John. 

This, however, did not exclude the idea of 
queerness, for this man was thus identified in the 
minds of many who gave him passing notice, — 
and, indeed, this is true of not a few who imag- 
ined they were really acquainted with him. 

In time (for he stopped several months), he at- 
tracted considerable notice. But he did not wish 


Yetta S^gaL 


47 


to be attractive in that way — it was involuntary ; 
and, strictly speaking, Professor Skoopmen did 
not think about it at all, for in some respects he 
was a very thoughtless man. It was this minor 
fact which secured for him a reputation in and 
around the city. 

At the hotel, although he never tried to find the 
door of the bar, he often had difficulty in locating 
the entrance of his own room. But his confidence 
in regard to the dining-room appeared to be com- 
mensurate with the size of the place ; and it is 
here that we shall see him, not at his best, but 
perhaps at his worst. 

This individual had been turning his face up to 
the light for at least thirty-five years. During 
this period his forehead had asserted itself in the 
facial proportions. He often held the head in a 
way that made the whole face noticeable for its 
expanse. So the physiognomist could easily see 
that the expression of this face was just the op- 
posite of furtive. 

His large eyes sometimes appeared fine ; but 
they were peculiarly and periodically uncertain, 


48 


Yetta S^gaL 


and their close relationship to spectacles which 
not infrequently were badly adjusted did not 
remedy the defect. At certain times Professor 
Skoopmen was indifferent as to whether his 
glasses were inverted, although they were con- 
structed so that the upper portion reached the far 
view and the lower stopped short at the near. 

A considerable part of the time he was pecul- 
iarly oblivious to his surroundings — or environ- 
ment, as he would have called it ; and as for his 
attitude toward the people about him, at such 
times, he might as well have been standing on 
his head, so far was he from normal relative ad- 
justment. At other times, however, he was more 
or less attentive, and was very friendly, some- 
times to the extent of absurdity. Occasionally 
his deportment seemed — and doubtless was — in- 
spired by philanthropic motives ; yet he some- 
times misled groping humanity. 

When in a generous sociologic mood he engaged 
the attention of the dining-room girls to a degree 
which the most talented trifler would have ap- 
plauded. 


Yetta S^gaL 


49 


While in his “spells'’ of social effusiveness, 
the Professor frequently was an astonishing spec- 
tacle, to say the least of him. Entering the din- 
ing-room with beaming face and wilting attire, 
he would steer precipitately for a table where 
some of his fellow-beings were placed, and im- 
mediately make remarks that were finishing 
strokes of friendly boldness. 

The situation was likely to be intensified when 
Professor Skoopmen mistook the sex of his fellow- 
beings, which he often did. 

It is, then, not surprising that he remarked to 
a Chinaman — after a comprehensive glance at his 
pigtail and trousers : 

“I notice with pleasure that your sex is subdu- 
ing the cranky bicycle — you are quite sensible, 
too, in donning the bifurcate garments while so 
engaged. You may be called heathenish by some 
people who do not know the moral value of equi- 
librium — profanity sometimes accompanies a fall, 
even in the case of a woman.” 

The young ladies, or large girls, in the opposite 
seats were, to him, nice young men, who, owing 
4 


50 


Yetta S^gal. 


to some freak of fashion, had left their natty hats 
on their unsteady heads. To show his friendly 
indorsement of this manner, to appear like one of 
them, he decided very quickly to leave hts hat on 
while he ate. 

He was also capable of formulating questions 
and observations which, he perceived with pleas- 
ure, invariably brought, to his side of the table, 
glances that were full of meaning. 

On these sunny days, the smiles he noticed 
were of a reciprocal nature, most certainly. 
Under such stimulus he could increase his efforts 
and become a little jocular, a style of conversa- 
tion well suited to those young men who wear 
hats in the dining-room. 

“ Is there much horse-trading among the young 
fellows down here this spring ? ” 

“Have you been in swimming this morning? 
I ventured yesterday — prefer the place beyond 
the persimmon thicket, as it is secluded and — 
well, it is ‘altogether' safer for one who has no 
bathing suit, ha, ha ! Let me anticipate your 
question — no, I have not read Trilby ; but a 


Yetta S^gaL 


51 


divinity student explained it to me. I was 
amused — he took the matter seriously, but I as- 
sured him that no form of hypnotism can subvert 
the American people. 

“ However, one should be very careful among 
strangers. ” 

Once, at least, Professor Skoopmen proved that 
his sense of the humorous was discriminating in 
regard to sex if his eyes were not. After flicking 
a large, ugly and active worm from the attire of 
a “ young man ” who sat within reach of his long 
arm, he rallied after the explosion that followed, 
and remarked : Upon my word, your squeal ap- 
pears to be much like that of the human female ! 

But before the dinner-time of next day the pen- 
dulum had swung to the other extreme ; and to 
the few who could perceive that he had no motive 
whatever in treating his fellow-beings so, the Pro- 
fessor continued to be just as amusing. 

But to many he now seemed unfriendly and far 
from good — his strange glances implied mean 
suspicion ; his cold reticence indicated belief that 
almost everybody was in the “bunco” business. 


52 


Yetta SigaL 


At any rate, he was not pardonable for refusing 
to answer direct and proper questions. 

To some onlookers, the way in which he con- 
ducted himself in the presence of women was 
shameful. If signals were significant, then un- 
doubtedly he insulted the dining-room girls ; and 
he openly stared for long periods at the most 
timid-looking and unprotected ladies. Poor 
ladies ! they were without both protection and 
reciprocity, for the untoward man was not look- 
ing at them at all. 

To others, who noted his abstractions, he was 
unmistakably posing as a great thinker — he might 
be merely impressing the spectator, or he might 
be fixing a permanent ratio between gold and 
silver. Whatever he was doing, the mental pro- 
cess was intricate — because he was queer. 

Even if it cannot be truthfully stated, concern- 
ing these ungenial moments, that the Professor 
held himself aloof, he certainly was aloof. 

Sometimes while in his far-away moods he ap- 
peared, to the intelligent, so elevated and unap- 
proachable in his isolation as to suggest the idea 


Yetta S^gaU 


53 


of an observer in a balloon, floating at wonderful 
altitude, serenely contemplating the earth and all 
therein. 

Indeed, some such analogy is needed to de- 
scribe his attitude, relatively to the people. 


54 


Yetta S^gal, 


IX. 

Almost every day Professor Skoopmen took a 
long walk into the country, and usually over the 
same roads and by-ways. He generally preferred 
the quiet seclusion of the woodland paths, and 
occasionally followed for awhile the deviations 
of a tributary stream. These walks, however, 
were not mere rambles — they were journeys to 
and from a certain point several miles from 
Chattanooga. Whatever the motive may have 
been, the professor apparently enjoyed them very 
much. To him the situation, by turns, was con- 
ducive to both reverie and profound thought ; yet 
he never appeared so absurdly absent-minded 
and awkward as he often did in the dining-room 
of the hotel — indeed, he seemed possessed of 
harmonious thoughts and was comparatively 
graceful in movement. This may have been 
partly because he was alone ; but it is probable 


Yetta S^gat. 


55 


that the beauty and general interest of his sur- 
roundings toned him up to his best condition. 
At any rate, whenever he came in contact with 
others, it was noticed that his words and actions 
were well regulated. This fact suggested to a 
few observers who had noticed him in the city 
that the dimensions of this singular individual 
had not as yet been correctly taken. 

One morning, while loitering in an out-of-the- 
way place, he suddenly found himself face to face 
with a young man under such peculiar circum- 
stances that an animated conversation naturally 
followed. Then, by some inexplicable law of 
affinity, a mutual interest sprang up. The spon- 
taneity of it was as striking as the dissimilarity of 
the two persons. 

The enjoyable attention which the Professor 
gave the young man was probably not inspired 
entirely by the attractive presence of the latter, 
whom he observed with a peculiar keenness which 
must have been identified with peculiar thought. 

The younger person was a tall, fine-looking 
man of about twenty-seven. His handsome face 


56 Yetta SegaL 

was dark with a tan which must have come from 
much exposure to sun and weather ; the clothing 
also indicated an out-of-door employment, but 
not that of a common laborer. He had large, 
dark brown eyes, and they were rather singular in 
that they expressed both alert eagerness and quiet 
interest — there was in them an echo of some in- 
definable hope and also of an unusual caution. 
His general composition included something sug- 
gestive of certain figures of Millet — in fact, he 
resembled in some way a particular portrait of 
that painter by himself. His appearance did not 
directly show the effects of hardship, or sorrowful 
toil, yet it seemed to bear at least the impress of 
labor more or less pathetic, as if he were de- 
scended from a line of serious workers. 

It was much more apparent, however, that he 
had inherited or acquired otherwise a fair degree 
of satisfaction and cheerfulness. 

Presently the young man said, with a manner 
of charming unreserve : If you will come a few 
rods in this direction, Til show you what Tm doing 
here. There ! I have charge of those men, and 


Vetta S^gal, 


5; 


we are engaged upon a work of civil engineering — . 
that is my profession. My name is Alvarez Lan- 
ning. I am living in Chattanooga only tempo- 
rarily ; the truth is, as yet I have no fixed home, 
nor have I any near relatives. I was born near 
New Orleans.” 

** Thank you — I feel that we should become 
well acquainted,” said John Skoopmen, in accents 
most hearty. But he immediately added, with 
an air comparatively cool: “Pardon me, Mr. 
Banning, I am interested in learning whether or 
not one of your near ancestors was non-Ameri- 
can.” 

“ My mother’s father was a Spanish exile — he 
too enthusiastically manifested a love for that 
liberty which he presently enjoyed in America.” 

Ah yes, I see — when he ‘walked Spanish’ it 
was in the right direction — ha, ha ! ” 

“ Yes — ha, ha ! sweet land of liberty, indeed I 
His daughter ran away with a Protestant from 
the northern part of this country — my father, 
John Tecumseh Tanning.” 

“ Good — I like that ! ” exclaimed the Professor. 


58 


Yetta S^gaL 


Then he continued, quite seriously, looking 
through the upper part of his spectacles to the 
far-away horizon : ‘'Let me assure you, geogra- 
phy is a great study. 

“ Permit me to ask you, ” said Mr. Panning, “is 
geography in your line of business — I think you 
are not the gentleman who lately left atlases on 
trial in our city ? ” 

“ No ; nor am I looking up the job of revising 
and enlarging those atlases. 

“ Let me reciprocate your kindness and in- 
troduce myself more satisfactorily. I am living 
here only for the time — am looking after my 
sister, who resides in a village a few miles from 
here. She is an invalid, is peculiarly affected, 
and requires very special treatment. I am con- 
ducting the case under the direction of her physi- 
cian, a friend of ours in the North — Doctor Day 
and I are associated as professors in the same 
university. He is generally in his chair, and I 
am generally out of mine, — for perhaps it would 
be impossible to sit there always and yet com- 
prehend the hints of anthropology. The trustees, 


not understanding the situation as I do, some- 
times show inquisitive impatience ; but when I 
grant them an official interview, they invariably 
say : ‘ Professor Skoopmen, do come back in 
time for Commencement ’ ; and I reply : ‘ Gentle- 
men, the Commencement we always have with 
us ! ' 

“You perceive, Mr. Panning, that it is very 
enjoyable — my salary goes on, and the field is 
enlarging ; so I need not resign in order to keep 
a clear conscience.” 

Alvarez Panning laughed lightly, and said : 

Pardon me, but I am reminded of certain in- 
tricate questions pertaining to the deflections of 
the needle — come and examine my compass. 
You see,” he continued, indicating and explain- 
ing the various parts and attachments, “it is as 
complete as the conditions of to-day permit.” 

“ Certainly you appreciate its perfection — it is 
your pet.” 

They talked an hour longer, first on certain 
scientific questions, and then, being somewhat 


6o 


Yetta SigaL 


exhausted, they became poetic, — the trees, the 
stream, the late afternoon sky were considered ; 
and such features of the landscape appeared to 
be pleased with the intentions of these awkward 
lovers ; for the foliage palpitated joyously, the 
waters supplied the rhythm which these poets 
lacked, and on all sides came promptings from 
the light of heaven. In some respects Nature is 
good-natured — she gives every poor artist oppor- 
tunity to bestow the right touch, to discover the 
caress harmonious. 

That evening the two parted with considerable 
feeling ; and this chance meeting was the begin- 
ning of a friendship which proved to be truly 
admirable. On many an evening the young man 
sought the Professor at the hotel ; on about all 
the Sundays which the calendar granted did John 
Skoopmen impress Mr. Lanning for a quiet stroll 
or a spirited discussion. 

Doubtless the mutual pleasure was something 
more than common. Other benefits were no less 
apparent. ^ ‘ That Skoopmen ” rose in the estima- 
tion of at least a part of the public — it was noticed 


Yetta Sifgal. 


6i 


that in walking he could keep step tolerably well 
when with Lanning ; and that his face did show 
gleams of intelligence when the young man 
talked with especial animation. 

As for the latter — as a matter of fact much less 
obvious — he was somehow inspired by the as- 
sociation ; he observed more carefully, was more 
precise and exacting, and yet was freer and more 
cheerful. He had great confidence in this friend. 
It seemed as if he felt that he was yet to be won- 
derfully reassured by Professor Skoopmen, 


62 


Yetta S^gaL 


X. 

An accident occurred one day in Chattanooga 
the tremor of which diverged, extended, and 
finally agitated several hearts. A young man 
was hurt in the street, and although the injury 
was not alarming in itself, a surgical operation 
was made necessary which involved great dan- 
ger ; for the patient was already an invalid, and 
the operation had to be performed at once or death 
would surely follow. 

The young man and his father were guests at 
the hotel already mentioned, and he was taken 
there. A surgeon was hurried in, but at a glance 
he knew that he could not proceed without able 
and immediate assistance. 

“Probably there is not a physician within 
three blocks,” he said, looking around in unhappy 
anxiety. Appealing to the clerk — for the patient 
lay on a settee in the office — he was told that no 


Yetta SdgaL 63 

one of the medical profession was then about the 
place. 

Great heaven ! there is no one capable of ad- 
ministering chloroform in this most critical emer- 
gency ! ” 

The despair of an accomplished surgeon is 
something to see, and Mr. Tanning did not miss 
this instance of it. He showed no excitement as 
he touched the arm of the distressed man and 
said, with a peculiar smile, 

‘ ‘ I believe there is. ” 

** Who — where ? ” 

‘‘That gentleman sitting over there, with the 
abstracted face and shiny spectacles.’' 

In an instant Professor Skoopmen had received 
the surgeon’s whispered instructions. He was 
wonderfully collected and precise, and was 
prompt withal. He timed the pulse and respira- 
tion and noted the patient’s fluttering vitality, 
with the manner of an expert. The two pro- 
ceeded as one, and the result was complete suc- 
cess. 

Just as soon as the work was done, the Profes- 


64 


Yetta S^gaL 


sor and Lanning went out. At that instant the 
father of the young man came in — he had been 
retired by the surgeon, because of his distracted 
condition. He approached in great anxiety. 

Is the worst over? ” 

Yes — be calm.” 

^‘Then, Doctor — ” 

“Blackman is my name — ” 

“Doctor Blackman, I cannot thank you too 
much. ” 

“ I appreciate your thanks, perceiving them to 
be sincere. But I tell you frankly that I alone 
could not have saved this life — the gentleman 
who — ” looking around, the surgeon failed to see 
the Professor. 

“Let us find him at once,” exclaimed the 
father, “I will reward him well.” 

^‘He is stopping here,” said the clerk, — “his 
name is John Skoopmen.” ^ 

“Is he a physician ? ” 

“ I believe not.” 

“ What is he ? I wish to know how to reward 
him.” 


Yetta S^gaL 65 

‘‘Well, I think he is a dreamer most of the 
time/^ 

The old man did not even smile, but trotted 
out and down the street to buy his strange obliger 
a present. What the clerk had said determined 
him to select a set of novels or a guitar. He pro- 
ceeded to a place he had noticed, a combined 
book, music, and picture store. But no set of 
novels was bought — possibly because the old 
gentleman could not decide under the circumstan- 
ces whether the literary treatment should be 
realistic, to suit the matter-of-fact life-saver, or 
romantic, to gratify the dreamer. The guitars 
appeared cheap to the generous mood of this 
thankful old father. 

So he looked around and considered various 
objects. Finally he paused before a painting, the 
handsome frame of which pleased him. But the 
canvas did not give him especial pleasure, and in 
order to be sure of its value he made some inquiry. 

“ Is this done in oil ? " 

“Yes, sir.” 

“By hand? ” 

5 


66 


Yetta S^gaL 


“Surely.” 

^‘That’s a pity — Americans stand first, you 
must admit, in the management of machinery. 
The price ? ” 

“One hundred and fifty dollars.” 

“ Great Scott ! ” The shopper quickly adjusted 
his glasses and looked again — appearing now to 
have the phenomenal judgment of a painstaking, 
hard-working connoisseur. 

At the end of five minutes, he was still a little 
alarmed at this suggestion of financial misfortune. 
Just then the proprietor joined the group. 

“Good-morning, Mr. Allen.” 

The old gentleman showed some surprise. 

“ I recognize you as a member of Congress from 
my former State. You may suspect that this 
painting is not a genuine work. Now, truly, it 
is so desirable a picture for one who loves good 
art that I will buy it back if you are not satisfied.” 

Mr. Allen hesitated. What a serious situation 
it would have been had this person been a woman ! 
But, after all, it is probably not true that “ the 
woman who hesitates is lost,” Perhaps more 


Yetta S^gaL 


67 


of them should hesitate. At any rate, — unless 
the “higher criticism ” of a certain history is in- 
fallible, — the mother of them all was lost without 
hesitation. And if this had been necessary to 
complete the process, it is likely that one of the 
males, Adam, Jehovah, or Satan would have 
coerced her. 

“Well, here is my card ; put it on the package 
and deliver to Mr. Skoopem, at the hotel — it is 
a present — he saved my boy’s life — but — say ! 
Anderson, isn’t the price a little steep ” 

“The artist has had more for works not so fine 
as this — and my commission is only fifteen per 
cent, while some dealers have twenty or more.” 

^ ‘ Fifteen per cent ! Why, six ought to satisfy 
any honest man.” 

Mr. Anderson was not dashed. He knew from 
private sources of information that Mr. Allen was 
an active member of a great “trust,” the profit 
of which sometimes dropped as low as ninety- 
five per cent. But he continued to address him 
as a Congressman who championed the cause of 
Humanity. 


68 


Yetta S^gal. 


^‘Well, well, here's my check.” And the stir- 
ring member of society hurried away to be with 
his boy. 

It was a good thing for the Professor and the 
artist — and, indeed, for Mr. Allen himself, that he 
did not wait a few hours for the subsidence of 
his emotion to its usual stage. 

That same eventful morning, Doctor Blackman, 
seeing Professor Skoopmen and the young man 
passing his office, hailed and thanked them most 
properly. He then more fully perceived that they 
were gentlemen of his kind, and that the Pro- 
fessor was doubtless a remarkably bright man in 
his way. 

‘‘Now, gentlemen, excuse me for the present, 
and do me the favor of dining with me to-morrow 
evening. My wife and children are away for 
a week or two — they’ll be glad to meet you 
later. Thank you — don’t fail. Till we meet 
again ! ” 

The gentlemen were a little surprised and con- 
siderably interested on learning, incidentally, that 


Yetta S^gal. 69 

the two sisters of Mrs. Blackman held sway in 
the doctor’s mansion during her absence. 

So, at the appointed time they appeared there 
in full dress, boutonniere, and smiles, and with 
conversation that engaged because of its fine 
sparkle. Professor Skoopmen was all attention, 
and the brown eyes of Mr. Banning were nothing 
if not sentimental. 

The young ladies were vivacious as well as 
accomplished. As time showed, they were 
habitually and unrelentingly captivating — two 
happy marriages came of this meeting, within a 
year. The reader should not be misled for a mo- 
ment, — these daring gentlemen escaped ; but 
two of their friends (including the northern physi- 
cian who came down to attend the Professor’s 
sister— a flying visit indeed ! ) were captivated 
completely. 

As for John Skoopmen — well, he had the paint- 
ing to enjoy ; and as for Alvarez Banning, he 
was delighted with the Professors conversation 
about this work of Art, and also with a discovery 
which he made when he inspected the picture. 


70 


Yetta S^gaL 


XL 

‘^Ah, Lanning, old fellow! come up to my 
rooms and see something beautiful — this way, 
shun that elevator, — if you are as heavy and slow 
as it is, attach yourself to my coat-tail. ” 

The young man was confident that his friend's 
unusual buoyancy was not caused by a pretty 
campaign-badge, nor by a female candidate's 
letter of acceptance. The beautiful thing to 
which he referred might be in the nature of a 
scientific discovery, or a philosophic essay. 
Professor Skoopmen's idea of beauty was prob- 
ably as queer as himself. To him, heaven it- 
self might be a place where disabled angels are 
repaired by a ^‘nice operation " ; or where intri- 
cate social problems are solved only after pain- 
ful anxiety and great effort. 

So Lanning was a little surprised — and agree- 


Yetta S^gal. yi 

ably — on finding that the ^ ‘ something beautiful ” 
belonged in the department of Fine Arts. 

Professor Skoopmen had not yet hung the 
painting — he had improvised an easel by pulling 
out the drawer of a large bureau, on which the 
picture was placed. He had shaded the lower 
parts of the windows, so that it was well lighted 
from above. 

“Here, Fanning, take this chair — no, don’t go 
near that canvas at present, you may study the 
material execution later — let your first impression 
be of the whole effect. There is always a pecul- 
iar pleasure attending the first sight of a good 
original work.” 

^‘Who— ” 

“Beg pardon, but do not ask that question 
now, — I don’t care who painted it. Too much of 
the regard and judgment in the Art world be- 
gins with an interrogation point, and it is a great 
pity.” 

“But I think I recognize this style.” 

“ Perhaps you are mistaken — the name appears 
to be foreign, and I haven’t yet made it out, 


72 


Yetta S^gaL 


quite. But the subject is evidently American. I 
did not suppose there was so good a picture in 
this city — it must have been brought here by ac- 
cident ; at any rate, I came into possession ac- 
cidentally — it was presented by Mr. Allen, whose 
son was saved this morning in the nick of 
time. ” 

Mr. Banning thought the picture was unusual 
and fine, but he was not so enthusiastic as his 
friend, perhaps because he was unable to be so. 
In fact, he had had but little opportunity for the 
development of the art-faculty ; but he had fair 
natural capacity to enjoy the beautiful. 

The occasion gave him one more reason for 
admiring the Professor, whose apparent knowl- 
edge of and feeling for Art was a matter of new 
surprise to Banning. The latter was much in- 
terested in learning that the Professor had given 
considerable attention to the subject of painting 
while living in the large cities ; and that he had 
associated a good deal with certain distinguished 
artists — was personally acquainted with some of 
the great painters of France and the Dutch coun- 


Yetta SdgaL 73 

tries. The association had left its impress upon 
him. 

The work which these gentlemen viewed was, 
in subject, a combination of landscape and figure. 
The time of day was early supper-time in the 
country, — that is to say, about five o’clock. The 
back yard of a farmhouse occupied the fore- 
ground, and this — which was a hillside — was 
crossed by a rambling and altogether picturesque 
fence, an uneven stone wall, with rails added here 
and there. A little to the right, the figure of a 
twelve-year-old girl was poised lightly upon the 
top of the stile. The head was uncovered, but 
she shielded her eyes from the direct sunlight with 
her left hand, while with the right, high raised, 
she waved a white handkerchief. Probably she 
was using her voice also in giving the supper sig-. 
nal to the harvesters in the valley, a little to the 
left. 

The hair and general outlines of the figure — 
which was in fine opposition to a remarkably 
well-managed background — were highly illumi- 
nated by the sunshine. This strong light came 


Vetta S^gal. 


7A 

through the thin, scant skirt so that the lower 
form was defined more or less clearly to a point 
above the knee, — it was the elegant slenderness 
and the graceful pose of this part of the figure 
which made the composition especially striking. 

The action of the figure was free and charming. 
The beauty of line throughout the entire work 
was not more remarkable than the values of light 
and dark, which were carefully established and 
well maintained. There was a fine sense of the 
open air — even the foreground was invested with 
an effective atmosphere. In color, the canvas 
was certainly notable. 

^^Lanning,” said the Professor, in his happiest 
accents, “so good a work is not produced with- 
out unusual knowledge and feeling. Consider- 
able experience, also, is required for such exe- 
cution — this is superior texture. ” 

“No doubt it is. I like the picture very much, 
but I think the coloring is rather weak and cold. 

“Of all the fine qualities,” said the fortunate 
possessor, “the color, in my opinion, is the most 
admirable. The tone is not cold, but cool ; yet 


Yetta S^gal. 


7S 

it is alive with an exquisite glow, which is quite 
different, of course, from the conventional hot 
flush. 

“While the drawing is remarkable in style, it 
is subordinate to the color, as it should be in 
painting. Sculpture is complete in itself ; cer- 
tain highly artistic motives may find full expres- 
sion in black-and-white work, wood-carving, and 
other arts, — but painting is distinctively the art 
of coloring. There is such a thing as the * magic 
of color.' 

“But no matter what the medium, the aim of 
High Art is to manifest something of the ideal. 
To the essence of exterior Nature must be con- 
joined the essence of the artist. Unity comes of 
such inspiration. 

“If you do not know what Art is, my friend, 
you cannot realize that such artistic creations as 
this are more true than common reality. 

“ In the life of these trees and fields, as well 
as in the figure, there is a suggestion of transcend- 
ent beauty. 

“Such facts are hard to comprehend, since Art, 


76 


Yetta S^gaL 


no less than Existence itself — of which it certainly 
is a natural phase — is mysterious. 

“But, — to return to something more easily 
understood, — I assure you that this picture is 
peculiarly admirable because, so far as I know, 
it does not show the influence of any particular 
school or master. It is perhaps more thoroughly 
cosmopolitan than any work I ever noticed. 
Here the artist has revealed qualities both origi- 
nal and eclectic. I'd like to be personally ac- 
quainted with him.” 

“Professor Skoopmen, why do you assume the 
painter to be of the masculine gender ? ” 

“Oh, really, I do not, — a work is not neces- 
sarily masculine because it is strong. Poetic 
spirit, artistic conception, technique, — these are 
not monopolized by a sex.” 

“Although I have never seen this painting 
before,” said Panning, “ there is something famil- 
iar about it. Let us discover the identity of the 
artist,” and examining the canvas eagerly he 
read the name : ^ Yetta Sdgal. ’ I am not disap- 
pointed. ” 


Yetta Sigal, 77 

“ Evidently, then you know something of this 
person.” 

have known Miss Segal about a year, and 
it is a pleasure to believe that we are pretty well 
acquainted. ” 

“This is interesting, indeed,” exclaimed Pro- 
fessor Skoopmen, “Let me ask you about this 
artist, — where did she study, where does she 
live? Is she French? I suppose she is not 
young, and that she is as ‘ queer or crazy ’ as un- 
usually capable people are said to be, — do impart 
your valuable information.” 

The young man smiled very properly, and 
looked with increasing admiration at the paint- 
ing, which he thought was improved in warmth 
by the somewhat changed afternoon light. He 
hemmed a little, preparatory to speaking, prob- 
ably thinking it would help the nervousness of 
his vocal organs. But he immediately took the 
better course for relief, and said : 

“Yes — well — this person, who is compara- 
tively young (she is at least a few years younger 
than I), has lived and studied chiefly at Cincin- 
nati, I believe. She is a Jewess, but — ” 


78 Yetta S^gal. 

*‘Good! — I am much pleased! — it will be a 
fine trouble 1 

Lanning looked at the Professor in surprise, 
but perceiving that he was serious and some- 
what abstracted, made no reply. 

*^Miss Segal has a friend in this city — a Mrs. 
Frank — who also studied Art at Cincinnati ; and 
when she visits here, the two paint together a 
good deal, and sometimes they explore the coun- 
try for subjects. I first met them in a remote 
corner of Tennessee, under peculiar and quite 
amusing circumstances, — it was an encounter be- 
tween their sketching-party (a few pupils accom- 
panied them) and my surveying-party. I and a 
companion were subsequently asked by Mrs. 
Frank to call on the ladies at her house in this 
city. I have seen these people, here and there, 
quite frequently ; and I think I can say that there 
is a mutual friendship of which I may well be 
proud. 

By the way. Miss Segal is coming here in a 
few weeks to stay awhile. I shall be glad to 
present you, Professor, if agreeable to her, and 


Yetta S^gaL 79 

no doubt it will be — this person is approachable 
as well as irreproachable.” 

“Ah, Lanning, you are sure that I shall be 
delighted to know one who can give such im- 
passioned interpretation of Nature. And this is 
2iyoung person, who already possesses the key 
to that heaven from which no infinite creator 
can be barred 1 ** 


8o 


Yetta S^gaL 


XIL 

Miss Sj^gal appeared in Chattanooga soon ; but 
as the Professor was called away from the city 
for several weeks, he did not immediately realize 
his pleasant anticipation. And the young lady 
felt some disappointment, since she had been in- 
formed by Mrs. Frank, concerning the beautiful 
expressions of that gentleman in allusion to her 
work and herself. 

But Mr. Banning was there — when it is a matter 
of fate, the program is realized with surprising 
fullness, the intelligible, the mysterious, and all. 

These well-equipped young people proceeded 
very pleasantly along the road that led to their 
destiny, for they were responsive to many of the 
finer harmonies of life, which adorn the way for 
those who are truly impressible and protect it for 
those who are intelligently creative. As for any 
destined sorrow — well, it would develop and 


Yetta S^gal. 


8i 


manifest itself duly without effort on their part ; 
they are now only busy with the happy accu- 
mulation of certain forces, the true value of which 
would be rather troublesome to appreciate, even 
if correct pre-valuation were possible. 

At Mrs. Frank’s, and elsewhere, they saw each 
other not infrequently. It was generally in the 
evening, when they were included in a group of 
congenial acquaintances, at a little party or musi- 
cale, — for during almost every day each was 
earnestly engaged professionally. 

Presently, however, the acquaintance became 
so important that a holiday now and then was 
not unreasonable. Usually on those occasions a 
party of them took an excursion into the country 
(looking for motifs, specimens, and the like). 
Once they went as far as the French Broad for a 
few days of camping, with which, of course, the 
poets and painters were especially pleased. And 
the tents were pitched at a place very favorable 
for those who were troubled with incipient love — 
the location comprised an outlook of such distance 

and grandeur that, if the sufferers were merely 

6 


82 


Yetta S^gal. 


weak, they might safely recover ; and where, also, 
the bad cases might progress till death, — for there 
is, universally, so much of recovering or dying in 
the complications incident to love ! 

It goes without saying, that any real gentleman 
could be depended upon — at a moment’s notice — 
to open the inner door of his susceptibility on 
having received no more than general impressions 
of Miss Segal. 

So the important question is : which one among 
a whole troop of suitors is in fine trim for the in- 
spection, in proper condition for the grand review ? 

Not that she was disposed to be hypercritical 
or exacting. And as for cold calculation, such 
a woman never trained in that school. She was 
philosophic, and therefore liberal. But her fine 
feeling for life and art permitted her to choose 
only the harmonious. 

As a good eclectic, her choice was liable to 
comprise what the world might call the ineligible. 

At Cincinnati, when she had finished school, 
one of her people proposed to be h^r husband, 


Yetta S^gal. 


83 


She saw that he was an intelligent man, and a 
kind one in his way ; but in her heart she felt that 
his devotion to his syndicate and his synagogue 
was more strict than the requirements of perfect 
comradeship and good citizenship indicated. Her 
answer to him, however, was a sufficiently com- 
prehensive explanation: *‘My good friend, you 
are at least fortunate in learning that I am hardly 
fit to be your wife, — I have no desire to marry — 
I care more to develop as an artist, and I shall 
extend my studies outside of dear old Cincinnati. 
As for you, you would better study this city and 
all therein more closely than ever, for there 
is a lovable girl here, who 1 know, entertains 
a fine affection for you — the Rabbi Adler’s 
daughter. ” 

“Oh, Himmel ! you don’t know that her elder 
sister eloped with a Christian ! ” 

“Well, the good Rabbi could not help that ; 
and the sister will not do so if — no matter ; but it 
may be your duty to assist in maintaining the re- 
ligious integrity of that family.” 

Miss S%al had several pleasant acquaintances 


84 


Yetta S^gaL 


and a few good friends in Washington City, 
and one of these was determined to win the 
prize — till he learned from one of her com- 
panions that she was a Jewess, and then he 
hesitated. 

If there had been no other obstacles, that silly 
fellow might have eaten ham sandwiches with 
our Yetta Segal ! 

She encouraged no admirers, yet wherever she 
became well known, would-be suitors appeared. 
And some of them were very eligible, too, in a 
general way. 

As for Mr. Lanning, — well, her Art had not been 
neglected as yet ; but she liked him better than 
any one else. 

He perceived that his presence was agreeable 
to her, but his rare perspicacity assured him that 
he must avoid even the appearance of haste. 
Feeling that he could be entirely acceptable to her 
only after she had acquired adequate knowledge 
of him, he was willing to allow the requisite time 
— doubly so because it would be felicity of^ pecu- 


Yetta S^gaL 85 

liar kind to have the season of discoveries ex- 
tended. 

Moreover, it had been his plan to delay mar- 
riage till a fair income was assured ; and, also, 
he found that he could secure a higher grade of 
work, with more profit, by operating in a district 
so large that he must occasionally change his 
headquarters. He had started as a surveyor, but 
was aiming to develop the business of a civil- 
engineer. 

Miss Segal learned that a number of his friends 
and admirers in city and country were organiz- 
ing to secure his nomination for the office of 
county surveyor. She asked Mrs. Frank to urge 
him to go before the approaching political con- 
vention. 

He did so ; but the course he took was a sur- 
prise to many. The name of Alvarez Tanning 
was proposed first, and it was received with 
hearty applause by the majority. But he imme- 
diately arose and said, 

‘*My fellow citizens : In these times of poli- 
tical ferment I have caught the infection, and I 


86 


Vetta S^gat. 


must make a little speech. I do not begin by 
saying that I am totally unprepared — for I am all 
ready. Nor is this a great surprise, since a large 
committee informed me last Sunday morning. I 
am not disabled by emotion, but can say very 
readily that your appreciation touches me deeply 
— it goes all the way down to the bottom of my 
heart, and were my heart in my boots (which it 
isn’t, with all this backing), why, your kindness 
would reach it. 

“ I do, however, need your assistance. Help 
me, like good fellows, to withdraw. Having the 
floor, I present the name of Mr. Dill, the young 
surveyor. He is thoroughly competent, I know, 
and as for his honor, the needle will never be 
deflected from the true direction. If I may an- 
ticipate your admirable action, let me thank you, 
for him — he cannot make so good a speech on 
this occasion as I, for obvious reasons. Gentle- 
men, you have my gratitude.” 

The newspapers contained the speech, with 
mention of “laughter,” “applause,” and the 
final “ three cheers for Lanning.” 


Vetta S^gaL 


87 


When he met Miss S^gal and her friends, they 
were full of reproaches. But he was ready on 
this occasion also. 

“ Let me explain that, '’he said. “This young 
man, who is able and true, really needs the 
office, while I do not. When I heard certain 
reports, I called on his mother — a widow, with 
silvery hair, and a form bent with age and hard- 
ship — a very charming person, and charmingly 
wrapped up in her ‘John Henry.' 

“ Now ladies, if — " 

“Mr. Lanning," said Mrs. Frank — “not an- 
other word — we do not care for your speeches ; 
and, for heaven's sake, do not try to become an 
orator, nor a politician." 

Both ladies made a great show of laughing, to 
hide their tears. 

There was also a circumstance which enabled 
his friends to estimate his character on a somewhat 
different side. A society of poor negroes, want- 
ing to own a church-building, procured a small 
lot in the environs of the city, on which to place 
one. But there was a dispute about the limits of 


88 


Yetta S^gaL 


the ground, and as Lanning’s attention was called 
to it he investigated the matter. An imposition 
was discovered, and he championed the cause of 
the society, which was thus enabled to maintain 
its rights. And he made no charge for his ser- 
vices. 

In this there was nothing very unusual or 
heroic. An incident followed, however, which 
was interesting, as it brought out his views con- 
cerning human progress in general. 

This same society had put up its cheap little 
building rapidly, — if the process was not pro- 
tracted, the revival-meeting which followed the 
dedication was. 

One fine evening — when the moon and the 
meeting were at the full — Lanning and a dozen 
others (a happy thirteen), out for a suburban stroll, 
approached the little church. They had been 
drawn to the place by a simple song, rendered 
with the Afro-American tone and harmony. 

The party stopped on a little knoll, from which 
the congregation could be observed through the 
open windows. 


Yetta S^gaL 


89 


After the song, and when the powerful exhorter 
was well under way, a pertinent conversation 
sprang up in the party. 

“This poor little out-of-the way place," re- 
marked an elderly gentleman, “reminds me of 
what I heard Mr. Beecher say in the pulpit. He 
came out squarely and said that even in regard to 
church affairs we do put the poor, obscure people 
in the kitchen." 

“ It does seem too bad," said one of the ladies. 

“I think it is not so bad as it may seem to 
some," observed Mr. Banning’ “Indeed, it is 
strange that one of Mr. Beecher s intellectuality 
should make such a remark." 

“What is that. Banning.? Explain yourself, if 
you can." 

“My mother had a book of his sermons, by 
which I saw that he was progressive and some- 
what heterodox — he evidently entertained ideas 
of natural evolution. 

“ Now, as a matter of common-sense, — and it 
is a poor system, isn't it ? which is not charac- 
terized by common-sense, — these simple wor- 


90 


Yetta S^gaL 


shipers are better here than they would be 
included in one of the fine, fashionable congre- 
gations.” 

“Thafs right, sir — keep them in their place,” 
said a gentleman from Georgetown, a cousin of 
one of the ladies. 

^^No, sir — not at all. As I was saying, — they 
are more at home here ; and if it is a question of 
growth, they can develop better here, up to a 
certain point, than elsewhere. 

All under heaven I ask for them, or for any, 
high or low, is that there be no obstacles placed 
in the way — that every one shall have full oppor- 
tunity to get from one class into a higher. These 
poor souls have their own kind of enthusiasm, 
and are working perhaps with all their might 
while ^ climbing up the golden stairs. ' ” 

“ Ha, ha ! good for you ! ” chimed the chorus. 

“ Mr. Lanning is right,” declared Miss Segal. 

‘‘ He is hardly ever very wrong,” laughed Mrs. 
Frank. 

He ought to join an endeavor society and do 
something foolish,” said the dashing Miss La Rue. 


91 


Yetta S^gaL 

“Miss S^gal won't let him," declared another. 

“But, as a matter of fact," said the young Mr. 
Spiker, “ the half of those old deacons over 
there in the amen-corner are irrepressible 
chicken-thieves. " 

“Ah, ha, ha ! " they all laughed. 

“Why, that old ‘ un ’ in the front seat," con- 
tinued this youth, who was a capital mimic, — 
“the one with the implicit countenance — you 
should hear his confession of faith." 

“ Ha, ha ! Let's have it." 

“I asked him, ^ Uncle Jeems, do you really be- 
lieve in the efficacy of prayer .? ' 

“‘Yes, sah — yes, sah, I duz, sah — I duz raley 
b'leeve in dat so't o' prar, sah. But (scratching 
his head and appearing thoughtful), ‘ it ‘ pends 
er heap on how de prar is said, sah.' 

“ ‘For instance. Uncle Jeems.' 

“ ‘ Foh instunce, sah — w'en de times am hahd, 
w'en I'se outen wuk en nuffen on ban' ter eat, I 
hev offun prayed in my cabin at night fer de good 
Lawd ter sen' er chickun ter me. I offun hez set 
up all night er waitin' fer dat chickun — ah, sah, 


92 


Yetta S^gal. 


de stray chickuns dat cums ouh way en poo’ times 
is mighty skace, sah.’ 

^ Yes, of course.’ 

“ ‘Coas, sah, — but ef I pray /er de Lawd ter 
send me arter de chickun, dat prar is ansuahed, 
sah, afore sun-up, sah.’” 

They all had to laugh heartily, even Lanning, 
who said : 

‘*At least, he is reasonable, — and his religious 
philosophy is not so different from Emerson’s, 
after all.” 

‘‘And it is quite plain,” said Mrs. Frank, “that 
these deacons are really not fit to go to any of 
the great, modern, opera-like churches — they’d 
certainly be out-classed ! ” 

“Ha, ha, ha ! You are as bad as Spiker, only 
on a grander scale.” 

“Oh, yes — we are all bad — but Lanning — he 
is good and serious.” 

“It’s false — the de’il is in me, and I feel like 
laughing, ha, ha ! ” 

The party strolled on, lively with chatter and 
fun. 


Yetta S^gaL 


93 


It was not only Alvarez Lanning's views con- 
cerning important sociologic questions, but there 
were many facts by which Miss Sdgal knew he 
was a wise and practical philosopher. He was 
not one of the conventional kind — he was poss- 
essed of ability to see all the way through to a 
comprehensive and relative position. She ad- 
mired his fine synthetic mind, which enabled 
him to escape the cul-de-sac of short-sighted 
divergence, and various dilemmas which even 
keen analytical observation cannot avoid. 

In brief, she perceived that the list of his ad- 
mirable, enduring qualities was not a short one ; 
and as she appreciated these fully, and valued 
his worth truly, her unusual regard for Mr. Lan- 
ning was an outgrowth both philosophic and 
natural. 

Indeed, all the circumstances made it a lovely 
as well as a reasonable regard ; and so, when 
one sweet day the air — from the ground to the 
upper atmosphere, and beyond into divine 
reaches — was full of a spontaneous symphony, 
Yetta Segal’s fine soul thrilled its beautiful accord. 


94 


Yetta SigaL 


The situation, however, gave her some trouble, 
in the way of anxiety. On account of her pro- 
fession, she desired a few more years of single 
life. Yet she felt that with the exercise of will- 
power there would be no serious interruption to 
her progress as an artist. Besides, she consid- 
ered that she was already fairly well established. 
Her work was of that kind which not infre- 
quently sells itself. Several pictures had been 
disposed of within the past two years, so advan- 
tageously that something of the proceeds was in- 
tact, after meeting her expenses. And her pat- 
rimony had been kept in good condition. While 
it was not large, well managed it would insure a 
moderate living even for two persons. And Mr. 
Banning would not undertake to husband her re- 
sources, — he considered himself highly fortunate 
in being permitted to husband such a woman. 
He had business of his own to look after, from 
which he had put aside a little capital. Miss 
Segal could agree to an early marriage because 
the man of her choice was both enterprising and 
careful. Apparently, he embodied the elements of 
success — and more than the mere financial kind. 


Yetta S^gaL 


95 


XIII. 

Meantime, Professor Skoopmen had returned to 
the city ; and within a few months the young 
lady and he had become the best of friends. Miss 
Segal understood and respected him fully. As 
for the impression which she made upon him, it 
is enough to say that he was in no wise dis- 
appointed. 

There was mutual regret, therefore, that circum- 
stances did not permit the continuance of this 
happy personal association. But the invalid 
sister of the Professor was by this time almost re- 
covered, and he was nearly ready to say good- 
bye to his dear friends and move northward. 

It was his intention to sail for the Orient within 
a few weeks, there to complete certain peculiarly 
interesting studies in biology which he had begun 
with some timidity and hesitation the year before, 
but which had progressed with 3uch flattering 


96 Yetta S^gal. 

success that he was determined to continue with 
all his heart. 

When he mentioned the proposed trip to the 
trustees of his university, they protested with the 
usual vigor. 

Now, Professor,” said one in the meeting, “ it 
does appear that you prefer to live at any point of 
this big round world but right here, the home of the 
school and the proper abiding-place of the faculty. ” 

“Gentlemen, the difficulty is not serious at all, 
and I give you notice that I shall not resign. My 
assistant is fortunately supplied with useful man- 
uscript and so forth. The work is progressing. 
Therefore I have this to say of my Oriental visit, 
ril pay my fare out, then if you want me to re- 
turn, you will remit the necessary funds.” 

“The proposition is not satisfactory, — here. 
Secretary Baker, write a check payable to Pro- 
fessor John Skoopmen.” 

The Professor had passed a few days and nights 
at the village cottage of his sister, and had returned 
to his hotel in the city to prepare for final departure. 


Yetta S^gaL 


97 


He endeavored to see Lanning, but failed. Sup- 
posing that he was busy with some work — pos- 
sibly out of town — he waited a day or two. Then 
he called at the private boarding-house where his 
friend usually stopped, and there learned that 
Lanning had suddenly gone away one evening, 
baggage and all. His manner seemed unusual 
at this time. He appeared to be ill or distressed 
with some trouble. The folks here — who were 
apparently much attached to him — naturally 
supposed that he had gone out of town on busi- 
ness. A week had passed since the departure. 

Professor Skoopmen sought Miss Sdgal, as the 
one most likely to be informed, only to find that 
she knew nothing definite ; he had made an 
appointment for a certain time, but he neither ap- 
peared in person nor sent a note, or any message 
whatever. It was so unusual, she said, as to be 
suggestive of some kind of trouble. Yet she be- 
lieved that a proper explanation would soon be 
forthcoming. 

The Professor strolled back in the direction of 
the hotel, reflecting. Presently he turned and 
7 


98 


Yetta S^gaL 


proceeded on a road leading out of the city, for 
he remembered that Lanning had been doing some 
work in the outskirts, — he had said, however, that 
it was suspended for a month. 

Professor Skoopmen had nearly arrived at the 
place when he noticed a man walking just before 
him whom he recognized as one of Lanning’s 
workmen. Before this person was overtaken, he 
entered a house which was the last public place 
in that unattractive district — a small cheap tavern, 
resorted to chiefly by common peddlers, drovers, 
and people of that kind. 

The Professor followed the man in, and found 
him at the bar, taking some beer. As the drinker 
might loiter for an indefinite time, he was ap- 
proached at once. He recognized the Professor 
as a friend of his employer. 

''Mr. Skoopmen, good evening. Will you take 
something?’* He was one of those persistent 
men who lose no opportunity to treat or be treated. 

"No, thank you — I — ” 

" Oh, you are welcome here — that card is no 
holy terror for white people.” 


Yetta S^gal. 99 

A card on the wall bore the regulative announce- 
ment, ^‘No niggers need appli.” 

The Professor was disgusted, but not surprised 
— he knew there had been a clash in that disrep- 
utable neighborhood between some ruffians of the 
two colors. 

“ Let me ask you — is Mr. Lanning engaged in 
any work in or near the city ? ” 

“ Yes, that is, he will be to-morrow. We are 
to finish the job out here now — sooner than we 
expected. ” 

Thank you, I can see him there and then, if 
not before.” 

“ I think you can see him now,” said the bar- 
tender, ^‘he is upstairs, front — Mr. Lanning is 
stopping with us,” he added more brightly. 

There was no longer a doubt in the Professor’s 
mind as to there being serious trouble. 

Please say to him that a friend wishes to see 
him about an important matter.” 

As the messenger proceeded. Professor Skoop- 
men expedited the movement by pressing closely 
upon his heels. 


100 


Yetta S^gaL 


He heard the uncivil engineer refusing, 
am engaged, and must be excused.” 
say, Lanning, old boy — you must be fully 
occupied, indeed ! ” 

He went quickly and put his hand on the 
shoulder of the young man, who was ostensibly 
busy at a table with a chart. 

At a glance he noticed Lanning’s disordered 
and generally wretched appearance. 

The bed was in a condition no more present- 
able than its very recent occupant. 

With careful propriety, the kind professor gave 
his friend opportunity to speak first concerning 
the situation. Lanning, however, was non-com- 
mittal and moody. 

“ Pardon me, my dear friend, — but I have come 
to say good-bye ; sorry to see you are not well. ' 
The professor meant psychically, for the most 
part, but he did not say so. 

There were a few moments of silence, and 
some embarrassment, of course. Lanning, ap- 
parently perceiving that he must say something, 
began : 


Yetta S^gat. 


idi 


‘‘1 — I am going away, too, — the idea occurred 
to me that I might write to you, and — " 

He stopped short and looked out of the win- 
dow. 

** — and to — to Miss Sdgal — some kind of an 
explanation is due her, though the heavens fall.’^ 

“Lanning, the heavens have often been bol- 
stered. I am fully aware that something serious 
has happened. You know me pretty well, — I am 
not merely inquisitive. I may be able to help you, 
and I feel that you should open yourself to me.” 

‘^Well, I have decided to confide in no one, 
never. But seeing you again — if there’s one per- 
son on earth in whom I have full confidence, you 
— but no use, no use to say one word — the diffi- 
culty is simply insurmountable, because the in- 
jury is as irreparable as a bad fate, which it is.” 

“You may be mistaken — there is hardly a 
trouble in this world which may not be averted 
or mitigated. 

^‘Whatever this is, I am certain it is not your 
fault. And at any rate, I cannot even sympathize 
fully without at least some knowledge.” 


102 


Yetta S^gal, 


The young man arose and began to walk the 
floor, very much in the manner of a strong animal 
that knows he is quite effectually caged. 

The sensitive heart of the spectator suffered ex- 
tremely then. 

Presently Panning — consumed by a mysterious 
thirst — took a deep drink of cold water. Then 
he went to a trunk, unlocked it, and took out a 
letter, which he gave to his friend. 

“You must read for yourself — I cannot read it 
again. It's a terrible, damnable letter ! ” 

He went to the window again and looked out 
at nothing. 

The communication was dated at New Orleans. 
It was in the chirography of an old person, and 
was affectionately addressed to 

“ My dear Alvarez.” 

The following paragraphs caught the Profes- 
sor’s eye at once : 

“My dear boy, I happen to know that the Pro- 
bate Judge here is searching for the heir to about 


Yetta ^^gal. 


103 


fifteen thousand dollars. Now, Jthe true heir is a 
Spanish-American young man, with just a strain 
of negro blood. 

‘ ‘ I am certain that I am the only one living 
that knows that circumstance and can identify 
the person. 

“Your grandfather Alvarez, who was exiled 
from Spain, came to this city. He soon married 
a very elegant woman, who, however, was a 
mustiphini. My own mother was called a quin- 
teron, therefore I was called ‘white.' Your 
mother and I went in the American, Spanish, and 
French social circles here. 

“This money came recently, of course, and 
from a relative of your grandmother. 

“ I am now an old man, Alvarez, and have seen 
considerable change in regard to race prejudice. 
Probably, you will live to see more. I cannot 
foresee the outcome, but I believe I can consist- 
ently advise you to accept the situation. The 
matter may remain a secret with you, myself, 
and the judge, who is my true friend. Please 
advise me soon as to your decision. ” 


104 


Vetta S^gaL 


Although the professor saw that so much of the 
long letter included the» principal information, he 
read on, thinking that a good suggestion might 
follow. His friend had dropped his head upon 
his folded arms at the table. 

“I am feeling very lonely these days. All my 
near relatives have passed away except my grand- 
daughter, Pearl Couture, whom you remember as 
a pretty little girl. She is about to graduate from 
Berea College. Of course, I think she is adorable, 
and I suspect that you would think so too, on be- 
holding her. She was away the last time you 
were here. We have seen so little of you since 
you were grown. I wish you would come and 
live here. Your father and mother, and some 
other friends, are much in my thoughts. My old 
wound has made me reminiscent lately — you 
know I led my regiment hard against the ‘ Rock 
of Chickamauga.’ Though I sometimes suffer 
this or that kind of pain, I am now glad it was 
that sort of a rock. I do not blame myself much 
for fighting a few hard battles — it was natural. 


Vetta S^gal. I05 

The greatest and costliest and wickedest mistake 
was in standing out so long after Gettysburg. 

Alvarez, the main thing in life is to be able 
to appreciate the situation. We have to take a 
sickening pill now and then. In after years only 
we can see that Providence is a good doctor. I 
hope you will remember this. You will suffer 
some about this matter, I know, but I feel that I 
must notify you. 

‘‘Before I close let me say a little about your 
mother, whom you knew only as a mere boy can 
know. She was so good and tender-hearted. 
She was beautiful, too, and had the most wonder- 
ful voice — low and soft, but far-reaching. She 
never sang in a high key. You have her guitar, 
which is, or was, a superb instrument. As trustee, 
I also turned over to you a certain unique song. 
This is how we got the words of it : your father 
and I were coming away from New York on the 
cars. We bought a daily paper — I think it was 
the Sun — which contained the verses. The editor 
asked if anybody could tell who the author was, 
and he added : ‘ Without regard to the dialect, 


io6 


Vetta Segal. 


this is one of the most beautiful poems in the 
English language/ 

“I hope, Alvarez, you will hunt it up and learn 
it, for I want you to sing it when you come. 
You mother composed the music, and arranged 
it for the guitar with the help of a music-teacher. 
I transcribed the copy of the score which you 
have. 

“Often have I seen old Alvarez put that guitar 
into Emeline’s hands and give her a peculiar nod. 
Then he would retire to a dark corner, and when 
the melody melted his heart, he would sob like a 
child. The absurd old slave-owner ! 

“ Do write to me soon. 

“Yours affectionately, 

“R. A. Hart.” 

“Lanning, what do you propose to do? ” 

“About what ? ” 

“Well, that money, for one thing.” 

“That cursed money ! That is not to be con- 
sidered. As an honorable man, I must break — 
at least my heart will break. Look here, Skoop- 


Vetta S^gal. 1 07 

men ! ” He went to the trunk again and dis- 
played a yard or two of black crape. 

“What’s that for?” The Professor wondered 
if this unbalanced man was preparing for one of 
those very thoughtful suicides. 

“Why, I’m going to tack it to the wall, with 
that envelope. I need some black wool to put 
with them, — am sorry I can't obtain that which 
old nigger Ned lost — but I can get a farmer to 
bring me some sheep’s wool, that is better ! ” 

“ Panning ! ” 

“Then I’ll write to Miss Segal breaking our 
engagement. ” 

He put his head on his arms again, and sobbed. 

The Professor waited a few minutes, and then 
said : 

“Alvarez Panning, it is too late in the nine- 
teenth century to talk as you do.” 

“But you — are — very — glad that are not 
tainted with negro blood ! ” 

“ It’s not at all a question of preferences.” 

“Ah, there you are ! ” 

‘‘Yes, here I am, — and I’d rather a thousand 


Vetta S^gaL 


loB 

times over be a black plantation laborer ” (and 
Professor Skoopmen thundered on the table with 
his fist) “ than fail to do the right thing by human- 
ity in general ! ” 

Panning opened his eyes and looked at his 
friend in intense amazement He was com- 
pletely dumfounded, and could not have saved 
his life by uttering a word. 

“ Now, I speak for myself. As for Miss Segal, 
I don’t know what she will do or say. Women 
— as they appear to me — partake largely of the 
nature of good conundrums. I don’t know, I 
say. But I do know — much better than one of 
your years possibly can — that she is, in breadth 
and comprehensiveness of mind, one of the most 
marvelous of persons. 

“Now, as I told you, my departure is near, 
and I have one request to make. Honestly, I 
cannot see how you, as a friend and a gentle- 
man, can refuse it. I want to arrange a final 
meeting of the trio. Upon my word, it is not to 
lead you into any kind of a trap. The party can 
then disperse, — if it is a question of mere diver- 


VeUa S^gaL 


109 


gence, nothing can be easier than to separate, 
never again to meet. If the facts justify that, I 
shall be willing. 

“ Meantime, you just pull yourself together 
and pitch into your w’ork with enthusiasm in the 
morning — it will help you, in this or that way. 

“ ril send you a note to-morrow. Not a word 
— good-day, Lanning.” 


no 


Yetta SigaL 


XIV. 

The next morning Professor Skoopmen sent the 
following note to his unhappy friend : 

My Dear Panning : — 

I have had a little conversation — more or less 
indefinite, of course — with Miss Segal. 

“As she was anxious about your strange ab- 
sence (remember it must have impressed her as 
being very strange), she was glad to learn that 
no great harm has befallen you thus far. 

“This evening you two are to join me in the 
parlor of my hotel. Owing to other duties which 
cannot be postponed, I shall be unable to escort 
her ; and the arrangement is for you to call at 
half-past seven and accompany her. I am sorry 
that this will be somewhat embarrassing to both 
— to you especially. 

‘‘When I was a boy, I had a writing-book in 


Yetta S^gal. 


Ill 


which there was a certain copy with the direc- 
tions appended : ‘ Rule for shading : Do not 

shade/ It is needless to give you a rule for the 
conversation which you will not have on this 
walk, — your voice will be too husky for talking, 
and even the most phenomenal meteorological 
conditions would not be a safe basis for remarks. 

“Rut when it comes to just plain walking, 
under difficulties, I know that you can be de- 
pended upon to do it like a man and a 
gentleman. 

“J. S.” 

That evening Lanning called at the hotel and 
asked for Professor Skoopmen. He was directed 
to the parlor, where he found his friend alone. 
Evidently the young man was a little surprised 
and considerably disappointed, as he had hoped, 
and, indeed, half expected to find Miss Segal 
there, for it was now past the appointed hour. 

He explained to the Professor that he had called 
at her place, according to the arrangement, to 
escort her to the place of meeting. But he was 


II2 


Yetta S^gal. 


told that she had gone out early in the evening, 
leaving instructions to the effect that any one 
who might call was to be informed that she must 
be excused till a later hour. 

The fact is, she had been called unexpectedly 
to another part of the city to attend to an urgent 
matter, having received an important telegram 
from Cincinnati. 

Lanning was either misinformed as to the exact 
word which she had left for him, or the super- 
sensitiveness of his unhappy condition had misled 
him, — he naturally felt that she wished to avoid 
him. 

It was truly a critical moment for Alvarez Lan- 
ning. He was on the point of leaving the place 
and the city forever (and even the idea of suicide 
occurred to him), but his great confidence in the 
Professor led him to reconsider the matter; the 
result was he decided to see his good friend once 
more. And this was the only friend who could 
now influence him. 

The explanation of Miss Segal’s absence was 
quite puzzling to Professor Skoopmen, and he was 


Yetta S^gaL 1 1 3 

just beginning to appear seriously annoyed when 
the lady herself entered the parlor. 

Although she came thus opportunely, it was 
obvious that she did not bring her usual splendid 
equanimity — plainly, the trouble was making a 
mark upon her which indicated much injury. 

Her suffering, however, differed greatly from 
that of Lanning ; his was a state which involved 
humiliation and despair, while she — with a mind 
much more liberal and far-seeing — was troubled 
chiefly on his account. She feared for his sanity 
and his life. 

At a glance she perceived and realized his con- 
dition, physical, mental and moral — she knew it 
was terrible. No wonder, then, that she showed 
painful agitation. 

But while she was as sensitive as a flower, she 
was as strong as a weeping-willow, and could as 
gracefully conform herself to the hard blast. 

So, she appeared there with presence so noble 
and lovely that both gentlemen instantly arose 
and bowed in a way which clearly manifested the 

most profound admiration and regard. 

8 


Yetta S^gal. 


1 14 

The younger man was silent, of course ; but 
his friend spoke at once, and in phraseology both 
elegant and spirited expressed great pleasure in 
seeing Miss Segal. 

To her, his words, his manner, and his general 
appearance were reviving indeed. She had never 
seen him looking so well and imposing — he was 
even attractive. He was carefully and appro- 
priately dressed, his hair was arranged effectively, 
and his glasses were correctly adjusted. The wide 
expanse of face and forehead — turned, as usual, 
frankly toward the spectator — was remarkably 
luminous, something like electrical discharges of 
intelligence played over the kindly physiog- 
nomy. 

In short. Professor Skoopmen was so impressive 
on this infelicitous evening that Yetta Segal in- 
tuitively felt he was in full harmony with the 
deep, mysterious undercurrent of life. 

She remembered to have read, somewhere, of 
Napoleon that on occasions which would have 
been quite dreadful to any but a genius or a god, 
he was sometimes heard to mutter to himself : 


Yetta S^gal. 


115 

are in accord!” The air of the Professor 
seemed to denote a like masterful accord with pre- 
vailing elements and forces. 

Although what he said to this young couple 
was really much like a lecture, and though he 
well knew that he should be obliged to speak at 
length before either would volunteer a remark or 
ask a question, his style was the conversational, 
and was soothing without being soporific. 

The strange party retired to a cosy corner of 
the parlor, where the light was very properly a 
little subdued, and took seats. Professor Skoop- 
men did not venture any remarks about the 
weather or the health of those present — he thor- 
oughly knew his audience, and proceeded as 
directly as possible to the point. 


ii6 


Yetta S^gaL 


XV. 

My friends, I am glad to believe that your 
sorrowful anxiety, your distressed humiliation, 
and your pitiable conclusion do not make a case 
that is truly alarming. 

Your trouble is but a small part of the world 
of unhappiness which is involved in a problem 
that we are persistently urged to solve. This 
problem seems merely curious to those who 
imagine that they are only spectators, but in fact 
it is of infinite importance to all. 

In the realm of psychology, solutions have 
been identified with much trouble and distress. 
The soul grows with effort that is often painful. 

Concerning this particular matter, it is now 
many years since the situation suggested to my 
mind a theory. During these years I have not been 
idle, and the theory (which probably some others 
hold) is now — well, I call it my sublime belief. 


Yetta S^gaL 


117 


“You should now consider it. But I perceive 
that you are not equipped to consider it, ade- 
quately, alone. It is fortunate that you have fine 
intelligence, since you may be happily serene 
by being truly thoughtful. 

“You must be impressed by the fact that there 
are a great many people, here and there, of mixed 
blood, and that the number is increasing. It 
is fortunate, therefore, that very many of these 
are especially interesting ; it is well that not a 
few are indeed truly admirable specimens of the 
human race. 

“ Such phenomena must be interpreted in a 
way consistent with man’s nature : if he is devel- 
opmental ; if he shall attain higher status through 
struggle, or through means that are seemingly, or 
for the time, degrading ; if he is moving from the 
simple to the complex, as to organization ; if uni- 
versal movement tends to unific existence, — then 
race interchange, with elimination of peculiar 
characteristics, has probably made its appearance 
as a phase of infinite order, and for the benefit of 
future man. 


ii8 Yetta S^gal. 

“The first intermixtures of which we have 
reliable data were mostly the result of conditions 
which may be called accidental : the woman 
accounted plunder of war ; the slave owned by a 
master who ignorantly theorizes and wickedly 
assumes that she is only an animal, but who 
nevertheless demonstrates that she can bear 
human children, — in short, these so-called acci- 
dental conditions comprise the various forms of 
rape which belong to the primitive movement. 

“ Then there is the instance in which degrada- 
tion is not so easily determined and ascribed : the 
union which appears to be the result of psycho- 
logic affinity, but which is interdicted by law and 
custom, and pursued by death or ostracism. 

“ Then there is the common instance in. which 
the so-called accidental condition does not involve 
legal opposition, and which is more or less agree- 
able to society in general : the marriage of the 
individual who is separated by the ordinary cir- 
cumstance of life from racial associates. Such 
instances show mating to be more important 
than perpetuation of distinct race ! 


Yetta Sdgal. 


I19 

But all pioneer movements do not have such 
accidental conditions — it is significant that mar- 
riages sometimes occur between persons of two 
distinct types who are cultured, able, and per- 
fectly free to choose. 

“As this is a phase which is more characteristic 
of the present than of any past time, the fact puts 
the whole question in an entirely different aspect. 

“Indeed, the most immediately promising 
phase of race-mingling is found among advanced 
people, for it is the more civilized who spread 
themself over the earth, and who have the greater 
influence. Wealth and distinction may overcome 
prejudice. 

“ The children of such voluntary union are 
at home either in the Orient or the Occident ; 
and they are comparatively more exempt from 
disadvantage. 

“Thus, while instances of race-crossing are 
increasing, obstacles to universal fusion are de- 
creasing, since new men and women appear who 
are better adapted and qualified for further inter- 
mixture. 


120 


Yetta S^gat, 


“ Is it not significant that there are races which 
have not been classified with any one of the 
three great types ? Authorities disagree as to 
whether certain groups belong to the white or 
to the black type. If ever there was certainty 
as to definition, it has been obliterated by blend- 
ing ; or, perhaps, a natural development entirely 
outside of the two types has supplied a medium 
between them. 

“ For while it may be true that there has been 
divergence, more or less important, from this or 
that primitive stock, extraordinary interest is now 
(or soon will be) centered in the phenomenon of 
convergence. ” 

The speaker became silent at this point, ap- 
parently lost in profound contemplation of the 
purely scientific aspect of the subject. 

Neither of the gentlemen noticed that Miss 
Segal’s face had broadened into a decided smile. 
This change was owing to the fact that she just 
then wondered (as she afterwards told the Pro- 
fessor) what would be the effect on the typical 


Vetta S^gaL 


I2I 


debating-society on learning that a practical 
philosopher, in a disquisition on races, had omit- 
ted the mention of “Adam,’’ and had not even 
“guessed at” the tribal identity of “Cain’s wife.” 

Professor Skoopmen was soon brought back, 
however, by a question from Mr. Panning, who, 
it appeared, did not hurry out at this break in the 
lecture to “see a man.” The Professor was the 
one he wished to see — the most interesting man 
on earth, and the only one who could quench 
the intolerable thirst of Alvarez Panning. 

“Pardon me. Professor Skoopmen — let me ask 
you, what does Science say on this subject ? ” 

“Oh, as to that, I have so little data that I 
feel rather lonesome. There is a remarkable 
paucity of statement and expression in the essays 
and text-books which I have seen, and in the 
great cyclopaedias, which are the product of 
wonderful research. I have nowhere found the 
subject of amalgamation treated comprehensively, 
in its relation to human destiny. No one, I 
believe, has even asked pertinent questions about 
this which is of transcendent interest. 


122 


Yetta S^gaL 


“Incidentally there is some mention of the ef- 
fect of crossings. Some historians have said that 
certain people of mixed races were versatile and 
of well-balanced character. Spencer s^ys : ‘It 
is a fact, that the crossing of varieties results in 
unusual fertility and vigor.’ 

“Just as the vigor of the plant manifested it- 
self in the flower and fruit, so our physical vigor, 
with careful culture, is crowned with mental 
strength and psychic beauty. 

“ The ultimate attitude of Science, my friend, 
must be scientific — it must be characterized by 
reason, and therefore by universal fairness. At 
any rate, there is no blood upon the hands of 
Science ; and in this it differs cheerfully from 
Politics and Religion, — but these,” added the Pro- 
fessor, smiling peculiarly, “are very serious 
matters, to be sure. 

“ I naturally imagine that biologic and psycho- 
logic investigators in general will perceive the 
movement to be evolutionary, if they do not 
already. They will study its compensative as- 
pect. 


Yetta S^gal. 


123 


** According to the mysterious but every day 
law of compensation, in race interchange, the 
superior must receive something of value from 
the inferior. Now, that which is valuable to a 
system of all-around or symmetrical development 
is really a necessity. 

‘‘The absence of, or the deterioration in, cer- 
tain qualities essential to the higher race calls 
for assistance ; in some instances this may have 
to come from extraneous and perhaps inferior 
sources. 

“ It is plainly true that some types of humanity 
are less advanced than others, because they are 
more primitive — evolution from lower life was 
either begun later or has been retarded. 

“In other instances of comparison, however, 
the difference as to general status appears to be 
one of opinion merely. The Japanese, for ex- 
ample, are regarded by some able judges as the 
finest type of developmental civilization. 

“ For this is an age which is characterized by 
some fairness, and at least some admirable quali- 
ties are discovered and acknowledged in those 


124 Yetta S^gaL 

races whose general condition is obviously in- 
ferior. 

“It is presumptuous for the wisest to assert 
that the man of lower type has no element of 
strength peculiar to his race which the most ad- 
vanced does not need in his general organiza- 
tion. It may be needed either for present 
protection in the way of reinforcement, or as 
an element of strength for further advance- 
ment. 

While the advanced type is evidently supe- 
rior in most respects to the inferior, it may be 
weak — it may have deteriorated — in some one 
quality. For example, the Anglo-Saxon was 
transplanted to this country, which is more or 
less malarious, and at about the same time the 
African came from a climate still more noxious. 
The latter is able, therefore, to impart an element 
of resisting strength to the former in conferring 
an immunity against malarial diseases. On the 
other hand, the white man comes — after a thou- 
sand years of development — with power to aid 
the black man in resisting the pulmonary dangers 


Yetta S^gaL 


125 


of the new environment. This is an illustration 
of the beautiful natural law of compensation — of 
reciprocal benefits. 

“It is an instance, however, relating to physi- 
cal conditions ; but there are exchanges involving 
the psychological just as surely. 

“In some instances, at least, the lower type 
imparts strength of a more refined quality than it 
receives — the instance may be one of a more 
acute sense, or even of intellectual acumen, or of 
more perfect equanimity. 

“(To those who may believe that the various 
types sprang from a ^ first man,’ — in agreement 
with the Biblical declaration that ‘ the Lord made 
of one blood all nations of men,’ — and who still 
may hold that the general theory of convergence 
is true, it is suggested that the good of temporary 
divergence probably lies in the fact that types 
operating singly, and in different environments, 
have had better opportunity for developing this 
or that quality necessary to the cosmopolite of 
the future.) 

While the term ‘ racial characteristics ’ often 


126 


Yetta S^gaL 


implies some undesirable and even objectionable 
quality, it nevertheless includes some that are 
desirable. 

“ While it may not seem advisable to give in 
exchange brain for muscular power, or ethical 
force for admirable nervous organization, yet 
ultimately it may prove to be a wise course. 

^‘In brief, many exchanges are but seemingly 
deteriorating or degrading, or are really so but 
temporarily, owing to the changeable nature of 
situation and relation. On the other hand, the 
great law of compensation doubtless contains 
both explanation and reconciliation. 

“ Man has been helped forward — always, and 
in most if not all places — by a movement in 
general nature which is more radical and more 
universally promising than any which springs 
from the political, social, or religious systems of 
the world. These are not necessarily regulative, 
sometimes they have to be modified, or even 
overthrown, because of their crudity and in- 
justice; — but the natural, spontaneous movement 
referred to is perpetual and regulative — it is 


Yetta S^gal. 127 

always and everywhere encouraging and even 
pushing the growth of reason. 

But I beg pardon for imposing upon you to 
this extent — doubtless you are both much fatigued 
by this time, and — ” 

Oh no,” protested Yetta Segal. 

“No, no,” declared Alvarez Banning, although 
he was nearly worn out, and consequently about 
subdued. 

“Well, I am,” said Professor Skoopmen, — “I 
never sat in just this kind of a chair — I need rest. 
It is not proper for me to resign now and give 
the conclusion of this matter to the journals of 
civilization, since more or less of it is of a per- 
sonal nature. 

“So you — ah, I see, you will come back 
again. ” 

On the plea that he needed fresh air and a little 
exercise, he — with Mr. Banning — accompanied 
Miss S^gal to her place of residence. 


128 


Yetta S^gaL 


XVI. 

Mr. Lanning, unassisted, conducted the young 
lady to the place of meeting the following eve- 
ning. 

Again the Professor was ready to proceed. 

In considering this theory, we naturally 
look about for practical evidences of its truth. 
We have already seen that there may be mutual 
advantage in the intermingling of two distinct 
races ; I am fortunate in being able (after wide 
research) to adduce an instance which embodies 
the three of which all others are said to be varie- 
ties. 

“In our neighboring islands — the Antilles — is 
a wonderful example of race mixture, the result 
of a combination of the three chief races : white, 
black, and yellow, — the European, the African 
and the Carib Indian are the elements of a type 
which is bright, beautiful, and strong. 


Yetta S^gaL 


129 


^‘The blending which unites two races is far 
more extensive than may appear to the casual 
observer. It has so long been in operation in 
various parts of the world, sporadically, that 
positive assurance is now impossible as to the 
racial purity of any individual ; while there are 
general instances which involve numerous people 
simultaneously, — there has been considerable 
amalgamation between Europeans and the In- 
dians of the Western Hemisphere — in Mexico and 
South America, and in this country. Also, the 
black type has crossed to some extent with the 
red, while its fusion with the white is by this time 
so considerable as to be clearly significant. 

“Instances have become comparatively com- 
mon of the intermarriage of those of the Jewish 
and other types. The world over, religion has 
been closely identified with race, and that of the 
Jews has been very exclusive ; but, on the other 
hand, this people is not numerically important, 
and it is already involved in the general move- 
ment. 

“Apparently it is for the Occidental to demon- 

9 


130 


Yetta S^gaL 


strate most strikingly that it is better for man, in 
a general way, to become a homogeneous being. 

“This country of ours is especially interesting 
because various enterprising peoples meet and 
mingle here. 

“The United States will have a population of 
several hundred million in the near future. Then, 
the progressive, cosmopolitan character will be 
maintained the more surely, in the racial inter- 
change with the multitudinous Orient. 

“As a rule, the changes which affect race tend 
in the direction of cosmopolitanism and prepara- 
tion for unity. The fact is important that the 
tribes or distinct divisions which have not been 
influenced by the homogeneous movement — or 
which may be incapable of receiving such in- 
fluence — are disappearing, or have already disap- 
peared, in some instances without apparent cause. 

“ Doubtless it is well, — this planet is not a good 
place for that people which is too poor or too 
close to contribute a gem to this crown of destiny. 

“But type is changed by new thought, as well 


Yetta S^gaL 


131 

as by new lineage. It is apparent that persons 
who are not strict in the typical beliefs, desires, 
and habits of their people become less racial in 
body as well as mind. 

“In some instances even the Jewish physiog- 
nomy has been modified by thought and aspir- 
ation which may be called non-tribal. 

“ Pardon me. Miss Segal, and allow me to say 
that you are an example of this law. Perhaps 
your lineage is strictly Jewish, — no matter, your 
face declares that the great Jehovah has not been 
powerful enough to enforce conformity. You 
have escaped, soul and body — I congratulate 
you. '' 

Professor Skoopmen ceased speaking, arose, 
and bowed (more or less awkwardly) to Yetta 
Sdgal. He then put his hands deeply into his 
trousers pockets and began to walk the floor, 
with spectacles maladjusted. 

The young people exchanged glances and 
smiled — which they could well afford to do. 

Mr. Panning was not disposed to direct the 
ceremonies ; but the young lady — seeing that 


132 


Yetta S^gal. 


this part of the program might be well-nigh inter- 
minable — endeavored to recall their friend. 
Finally, she spoke : 

Professor ! ’’ 

But he continued oblivious, and Miss Sdgal 
went to the piano, and immediately the air was 
alive with a harmony that presently superseded, 
if it did not surpass, the Professor’s dream. 

Just as the gentlemen joined Miss Sdgal — at 
the close of her beautiful and splendidly sugges- 
tive improvisation — Professor Skoopmen was 
saying to Lanning, in reference to Miss Segal : 

Her beautifier is not -in a box — her good sense 
came from no book — she is in advance of my 
wordy philosophy, and makes us happy by her 
reasonable eclecticism.” 

The indescribable interest which the couple 
could not hide showed that something more was 
anticipated. 

^‘Go on. Professor — do,” urged the young 
man. 

‘‘Prejudice finds many explanations that are 


Yetta S^gaL 


133 


taken for conclusive reasons or sacred injunctions. 
But, in time, irresistible growth pushes them 
aside as so much cinder from an exhausted blaze. 

“The soul sometimes develops unconsciously 
in this or that quality. In such instances, the 
discovery is especially interesting. 

“ Let me relate an anecdote. One day I met 
a friend on the street in New York. He put his 
arm through mine and conducted me to his res- 
idence, which is a fine one, for he has ample 
means. He is an Art collector of the happy kind, 
— that is, he expends much thought as well as 
money. 

“ ^ Here, Skoopmen — this way — do not intrude 
there — that is our dining-room ! ’ (The fact is, a 
plate is always laid for me there, and also at 
several tables in this country, — I suspect that my 
presence is solicited because I amuse the folks 
in some way or other.) 

* ^ ‘ Here — give me your opinion of this new 
work.' It was a superb statuette, in bronze, 
about three feet high, on a tall pedestal of airy 
design. The subject was the lightly-poised 


134 


Yetta S^gal. 


figure of a young woman, with arms above the 
head, and with a face of matutinal expression — a 
composition typical of Morning. The work is 
one of indubitable artistic value, and my friend 
was glad to be corroborated in his estimate of 
it. 

‘Bryson,’ I asked, ‘ do you notice any pecul- 
iarity about this material } ’ 

“‘No — of course, it is bronze — white marble 
might have been more appropriate ; but there are 
fine Venuses in bronze, and I have seen a beau- 
tiful one in black marble, — but — such colors do 
seem strange, now that I think of it, eh, Skoop- 
men ? ’ 

“ ‘No — not more strange than unbiased Art 
or comprehensive thought. I referred to the 
particular color of this material, — it is interesting 
to me that this differs felicitously from ordinary 
bronze, being more golden and fruit-like in tone. 
It also appears more satiny in texture. I have 
noticed a similar effect in the skin of those of 
mixed races. ’ 

“Bryson started a little, and muttered, 


Yetta S^gaL 135 

* Pshaw ! ’ But I continued, enveloping his dose 
in honey : 

“ ‘ Esthetically, I can imagine nothing out- 
side of harmonious Art, or of some transcendent 
dream, that is more recherchk than the persons of 
certain people in whom are blended the white, 
black, and red types, — their elegant, sculptural 
figures — which embody perfect muscles ; fine 
profiles ; splendid eyes, in which a sweet melan- 
choly is discoverable ; curly hair, richly dark, and 
gleaming with bluish lights, to complement the 
tone of skin — a rare golden, fruity color, with an 
echo of pink coming through/ 

“ My friend made no comment — not in words. 
He gave a long, low whistle. 

^ ‘ ‘ Good-bye, Skoopmen — please don’t come to 
dinner for a week or two. I— I want time to 
think. I fear I shall not like my Morning so well 
now.’ 

“ " At your best, Bryson, you are not such a 
fool. ’ 


evolution were not true, the shape of the 


3^ 


Yetta S^gal. 


nose, complexion, dialect, sectarianism, etc., 
would be of great and lasting importance. 

“We are slow to realize that psychologic ca- 
pacity is the supreme consideration. 

“The outlook, however, has never been so 
favorable. The commercial and political rela- 
tions of advanced peoples point to the unific in 
custom, language, feeling, and expression. 

“ Look forward, imagine for the various lead- 
ing peoples the same commercial interests ; the 
same ethical motives ; the same school-books, and 
social pleasures ; the same aspiration for higher 
condition, — in brief, consider the universal work- 
ing of common laws of development, and then 
you can see, by prescience, the logical result. ” 
“But, Professor Skoopmen,” said the young 
man, “will not such union as you probably do 
foresee result in sameness and monotony as to 
the general action and appearance of people } " 
“No — on the contrary the outlook is better for 
individuality ; it will be at once stronger and 
more refined, and new types must come of cease- 
less development. 


Yetta Sigat. I37 

The individual always has the infinite mystery 
of existence to encourage him. 

**But in the very truth of such mystery lies 
danger for the individual. 

“ The mingling of races intensifies social com- 
plexity ; and society is governed mostly by con- 
servatism, right or wrong (for it embodies certain 
remnants of barbarism). The existing conditions 
of life make it a very serious matter for those 
who go beyond conventional limits. That 
limits are finally extended does not preclude the 
fact that pioneer experiences naturally include 
hardship, danger, and fatality. 

‘‘Personal safety and comfort, and the ready 
material for more symmetrical growth — with its 
more refined pleasures — are for those who follow 
in the pioneered road. 

“Movements ultimately helpful to humanity 
in general often ruin the individual. 

“Do not for a moment suppose that some 
higher power — ‘ Providence,' for instance — is 
sure to protect the conscientious. 


138 


Yetta Segal. 


“ Here is a life-picture in which the gleam of 
providential care is more remote than the dog- 
star : A mother and her little children — moved 
and reassured by the New Testament promise 
that the faithful, fervent supplication shall be 
granted — pray, on retiring, for safety during the 
night. Out of that night’s darkness springs a 
cyclonic monster which devours them with a 
cruelty that is all but infinite. 

“Now, while this phase of the weather may 
help the population generally, individual welfare is 
relentlessly obliterated. So, personal assurances 
of that order are seen to be delusive and wrong. 

“Increased intelligence is the best protection. 
And it has apprised man of the fact that bitter 
doses necessary to general health must be swal- 
lowed, even when they come in a way popularly 
supposed to be degrading. 

“I think you perceive that it is not my desire 
to accelerate this movement, except in so far as 
humanitarian conditions and requirements indi- 
cate. 


Yetta S^gaL 


139 


However, I am bound to declare that all peo- 
ple will not have just consideration till this uni- 
fic belief is widely extended. 

Those who are directly involved in what is 
apparently a natural and inevitable evolution 
should be exempt from hateful and unjust treat- 
ment. 

“As evasion of responsibility is detrimental 
and culpable with regard to the individual, so it 
is also as to the nation, or the society of people. 

“My admiration is unbounded for a truth 
which Herbert Spencer has expressed concerning 
the status of the individual, since I know of no 
human utterance — not excepting the best in the 
so-called sacred books — which is quite so sub- 
lime : 

“ ‘ No one can be perfectly free till all are free. 
No one can be perfectly moral till all are moral. 
No one can be perfectly happy till all are happy.' 

“Nations, as well as individuals, must ad- 
vance to perfection on the conditions of univer- 
sality. 

“ I am glad that such an utterance comes from 


140 


Vetta S^gaL 


one who belongs to a nation that has often held 
an oppressive attitude toward weaker people. 

It is a good set-off against a reputed remark 
of an English statesman during the crisis in our 
late civil war, in which the question of slavery 
was most seriously involved : ‘ A new nation has 
been born.’ A * grand old man’ of still loftier 
endeavor would have said : ‘ It will be unfortu- 
ate for humanity if a new nation has been born. ’ 

**But notwithstanding the shortcomings of 
individuals and nations, there is to-day a pre- 
ponderance of truths on the side of optimism. 
Melioration, which is within our province, brings 
increased happiness for all. 

“The destiny of man on this planet is not a 
something to be realized in a day ; and — depend 
upon it — the race will remain right here till it is 
mature and ready for some further mysterious 
transformation. 

“Pardon me, my young friends, — I had al- 
most forgotten that you are especially concerned 


Yetta SigaL 


141 

with this subject of race-blending.” (The couple 
appeared embarrassed.) You have felt an impulse 
to rush into unhappy self-sacrilice. Abnormal 
sentimentality may be corrected by reason ; 
therefore it is your duty to consider the whole 
matter in a way which will enable you to adjust 
a safe and proper balance between altruism and 
egoism. 

You will not find the duty a gloomy one-r- 
the outlook for you is perfectly clear. 

“On the happy way to your individual destiny, 
you can well afford to be deprived of the society 
of those who would degrade you by ostracism. 
They may injure you, but cannot degrade you, — 
real degradation is involved in injustice to 
humanity.” 


142 


Yetta S^gaL 


XVII. 

On learning that the Professor was on the eve 
of saying farewell to Chattanooga, Mrs. Frank at 
once arranged for a testimonial, at her beautiful 
home, where those who had learned to appre- 
ciate that gentleman might meet him once more. 

Her plans were realized most happily — the 
whole affair was conducted with that rare tact 
which never makes itself noticeable. The event 
was important as well as charming, since a 
number of the city’s most admirable people were 
in attendance. (A few of the choicer numbers 
of the Four Hundred were there, — enough to add 
an octave to this or that end of the social key- 
board.) 

The occasion had great delight for the cosmo- 
politan taste, for the comprehensive mind, and 
for the fortunate possessor of symmetrical feel- 
ing, — the ensembie, as varied in color and quiet 


Yetta S^gal. 


143 


passion as the opal, afforded the wealth of exist- 
ence. Faces, forms, textures, lights, colors, per- 
fumes, and tones lavishly contributed to an effect 
analogous to that which an artist-seer calls the 

play of surface,'’ and which, truly, is no less 
than the other side of the circle of heart-thrill. 
In brief, at that testimonial party there was full 
and perfect employment of stored sunshine and 
accumulated soul. 

The several members of a small group of ladies 
noticed that Professor Skoopmen was for the mo- 
ment alone and a little apart from the animated 
throng, in which he had already spent a lively 
and enjoyable half hour, — they perceived that he 
was possessed by the spirit of abstraction. In 
this instance, however, he was more smiling than 
he appeared in most of his “spells." As those 
observers were matrons — all except Miss Segal — 
and were well acquainted with him, they, after a 
hurried consultation, decided to approach and 
surprise him with the offer of a penny for his 
thoughts ; and this movement was to be prelim- 


144 


Yetta S^gal. 


inary to his arraignment as the culpable bachelor 
who is caught in the act of deserting the good 
city and its eligible women. 

The captivating party dashed upon him at 
once, and the quiet man was obliged to arouse 
and rally to his own defense. 

“ My friends, your criticism is apropos, and I 
also appreciate the reasonableness of your curi- 
osity — of course, it is sweet reasonableness. In 
our preeminent land, this city is second to none 
as to the number and loveliness of its lovable 
women. But — I — well, let me say in extenuation 
that circumstances over which I have lost con- 
trol—" 

Ah, ha ! ha ! Now, Professor, do tell us the 
story ! " 

“And describe her, if you can, ha, ha ! " 

“A few minutes since, my thoughts were 
diverted by a suggestion here, — perhaps it was 
that blossoming dwarf-cherry-tree ; or that Ori- 
ental vase ; or the dream may have been in- 
spirited by the presence of that exquisite nut- 
brown young lady over there whose appearance 


Yetta S^gaL 


145 


is not entirely Occidental. At any rate, some- 
thing peculiarly felicitous here reminded me of a 
lovely — front yard, I was about to say, but may 
I be confused perpetually if the place isn’t a 
blooming back-yard in Japan — well, no matter, 
the situation very properly corresponds to my 
sentiment, which also has more than one fine 
side. 

‘‘You probably noticed recently that the papers 
reported that the distinguished author of the 
‘ Light of Asia ’ intended to marry a lady of Japan. 
It was a case of mistaken identity. I was talk- 
ing with that gentleman and a mutual friend in 
Yokohama, when the latter, in jocular manner, 
said to the former : ‘ Before you finish the Light 
of the World, you would better engage Professor 
Skoopmen as a collaborator — some of his inter- 
pretations would certainly be of world-wide in- 
terest r The mistake was made by an ‘ efficient " 
newspaper reporter, who overheard the conversa- 
tion, and who had heard of a certain engagement 
in that land of ‘Kokoro.’” 

The announcement caused more or less sur- 

10 


146 


Yetta S^gaL 


prise and emotion among the ladies, some of 
whom exhibited the very embarrassment which 
the expectant Professor was ready to analyze. 
But in a moment all had congratulated him with 
the enthusiasm that comes of full confidence. 

Of course some one declared she was just dy- 
ing to know all about the bride-elect, and Pro- 
fessor Skoopmen was not the one to see his 
fellow-beings “goto the wall" for lack of in- 
formation. 

“My lady is a widow, without children, which 
is providential, as I am not yet ready to have the 
Orient call me ^ daddy ’ ; and should I conclude 
to reside in the East, I prefer not to have a mem- 
ber of my household advising me to go West. 

“The amount of worldly goods which madame 
possesses enables her to be very heavenly. She 
is fond of Art, — by the way, it was her late part- 
ner who produced a famous peach-blow vase. 
He got fifteen dollars for it, and when it brought 
fifteen thousand in America, he just departed 
for a shore where there are no such blows. 

“In conclusion, let me assure you that she is 


Yetta S^gal. 


147 


very accomplished — really understands perspec- 
tive, and promises (not very solemnly) to under- 
stand me. 

“Now, ladies, I hope your interest in the case 
will not abate when you learn that one of her 
grandparents was a European. 

“You will meet her before many months have 
passed, and the whole affair will then be easy to 
comprehend, for our party will include my mother- 
in-law.’' 

“ Then, Professor, the declaration must be true 
that the Japanese mother is more perfectly a 
mother than is to be found in any other land. 
But is there a particular reason why they make 
desirable mothers-in-law ? ” 

“Well, they are physically small, and their 
will-power is manifested in the gentlest way.” 

Presently Alvarez Lanning was requested to 
sing a Spanish love-song. Mrs. Frank — who had 
often had the care of the instrument — placed in 
his hands the precious old guitar that his mother 
had touched so divinely. As he tuned and ca- 


148 


Yetta S^gaL 


* essed the chords, the sensitive young man was 
affected almost to tears. 

But immediately the romantic hearers were de- 
lighted by a very fine Andalusian love-appeal. 

After it was concluded, some humorous fellow 
handed Banning a banjo, and suggested a rattling 
echo from the plantation. He complied, laugh- 
ing, and picked a most lively dance-jingle. It 
pleased several who had not appreciated the love- 
song ; but Alvarez Banning had not yet pleased 
himself; so he again took up the sacred guitar. 
All present gave close attention, for all felt the 
fascination of which the young man himself was 
unconscious. 

In a beautiful, sympathetic voice — low-toned, as 
Emeline’s had been — and with wonderful dialectic 
talent. Banning sang the piece of unknown 
authorship that often had made old Alvarez cry, 
and which was mentioned in the unhappy letter : 

SONG. 

De massa ob de sheepfol’ 

Dat guard de sheepfol’ bin, 


Yeatt S^gal. 


149 


Look out in de gloomerin’ meadows 
Whar de long night rain begin — 

So he call to de hirelin’ shepa’d, 

Is my sheep, is dey all come in ? 

Oh, den says de hirelin’ shepa’d, 

Des’s some, dey’s black and thin. 

And some, dey’s po’ ol’ weddas. 

But de res’ dey’s all brung in. 

But de res’ dey’s all brung in. 

Den de massa ob de sheepfol’ 

Dat guard de sheepfol’ bin. 

Goes down in de gloomerin’ meadows, 
Whar de long night rain begin — 

So he le’ down de ba’s ob de sheepfol’, 
Callin’ sof’. Come in, come in. 

Callin’ sof’. Come in, come in ! 

Den up t’ro’ de gloomerin’ meadows, 
T’ro’ de col’ night rain an win’, 

And up t’ro’ de gloomerin’ rain-paf, 
Whar de sleet fa’ pie’cin’ thin, 

De po’ los’ sheep ob de sheepfol’ 

Dey all comes gadderin’ in, 

De po’ los’ sheep ob de sheepfol’ 

Dey all comes gadderin’ in. 


Yetta S^gaL 


150 

While the song deeply impressed all who heard 
it — for many eyes filled, some to overfiowing, and 
a few of the more emotional souls sobbed — there 
were, beside the singer, only two present to whom 
the motif was profoundly deep and doubly dear ; 
but instead of weeping, they smiled. 

One said to the other, aside, in a low sweet 
voice : 

cannot tell you, Professor, how proud I am 
of him.’^ 

“It is' unnecessary to say a word, my dear 
girl — I know very well.” 


XVIII. 


As they came away from the party, our two 
young friends were silent. This was not at all 
strange, under the circumstances ; for they had 
just left a scene of unusual social animation, and, 
of course, in its turn the outside tranquillity was 
found to be refreshing. It is true, also, that they 
had not enjoyed the various indoor charms quite 
freely and fully. One of them, at least, was still 
distressed over his recent discovery. Every con- 
science-cloud, every pride-fog had not vanished 
at the appearance of the Professor’s luminous 
philosophy. 

In a word, both experienced an uneasiness or 
depression which was somewhat vague yet un- 
mistakable in its effect, — that which Miss Segal 
felt was none the less taxing for being reflected 
from her companion. 


152 


Yetta S^gal. 


This young woman of wonderfully fine har- 
mony clearly perceived that she herself must com- 
plete the adjustment of the chords of that jan- 
gling soul — she knew that true harmony could not 
be attained in any other way. But she was fully 
aware that the supreme moment for effort had 
not yet arrived, and that she could not safely say 
or do anything to precipitate it. 

There was, fortunately, another reason why 
they proceeded very silently on their way ; they 
had come at once and completely into a presence 
that was so sublimely beautiful as to be hush-in- 
spiring. 

Out-of-doors, this observing, impressionable 
couple was absolutely compelled to contemplate 
the phenomenon commonly called night. 

The quiet city and the reposeful country were 
covered with a sea of exquisite light, which over- 
flowed from the moon’s full circle. The various 
forms and masses had the mystic appearance 
which is an element of the enchanting. Even 
casual spectators were moved to exclaim : ‘ ‘ What 
» fine night ! ” Yet it is probable that the many 


Yetta Sdgal. 153 

had but passing interest, and responded in a 
common, superficial way. 

But in the psychic existence of these two it was 
an hour of infinite importance. So they pro- 
ceeded silently and slowly, sometimes involunta- 
rily pausing. They were so profoundly impressed 
by what they saw and felt as to be quite oblivi- 
ous to all ordinary affairs and appearances. 

An hour or so passed, for the couple strolled 
into the suburbs, and beyond. Finally Miss 
S^gal directed the movement to a certain slope 
in the country which afforded full view of a gen- 
eral scene that was simply matchless in its way. 

But Banning — this healthy, fortunate young 
man, whose Spanish progenitors had danced the 
fandango and serenaded available hearts most 
happily by the light of this same moon ; whose 
American ancestors had successfully “run for 
office " (both night and day), in blissful ignorance 
as to their unfitness for incumbency ; whose sable 
forefathers had felicitously discussed the perfect 
watermelon, — this live and promising young man 
(with a jewel of a Jewess on his arm at that very 


154 


Yetta S^gaL 


moment), seemed for the time to be incapacitated 
for decided pleasure. 

Presently he said, with a half sigh, and a dep- 
precatory glance at the milky way : - 

‘‘But it is true, O friend, that this impressive 
serenity includes the conditions for turbulence of 
spirit — it is a fact that a dangerous melancholy 
pervades this strange if not seductive beauty, — 
it is really apparent, and it will not down. The 
awful mystery ! — you too must feel it, since it is 
here in us as well as up there. And is it not this 
mystery which actually encourages sad reflec- 
tions, perhaps disgusting considerations } ” 

At this moment the noisome exhalation from 
an abattoir in that vicinity impressed Banning 
with the incongruity of the sublime scene. He 
felt the inconsistency to be typical of his own 
situation, and even called her attention to it. 

“ At any rate,” he continued, ‘ ‘ I am reminded 
that more than one poor dark ancestor of mine 
appealed in vain to the universal presence for 
comfort and material help. I, also, feel a deg- 
gradation, which — ” 


Yetta SSgaL 1 55 

He hesitated, and finally shook his speechless 
head. 

“Go on,” said Miss Yetta, with eyes open to 
the glorious night-sky, and with a smile of in- 
finite love. 

She had noted with a peculiar pleasure that he 
was giving a valuable and instructive exhibi- 
tion of paroxysmal materialism and pessimism, 
— it enabled her to gather strength for his 
rescue. 

“Go on, Mr. Lanning — let the toboggan slide 
to the very bottom ! ” 

This remark almost stopped him. But the mo- 
mentum was too great, and he did go on. 

“ Ah, my friend, I see that you cannot reach 
the level of my feeling. But perhaps I can talk 
you down to a sort of cognizance of it. 

“A few weeks ago I was contented, and even 
congratulated myself on my condition, — I did 
not suspect that I had inferior material in my 
composition, from which the most serious men- 
tal and moral trouble could spring. I believed 
that, even if I could not advance, my prospects, 


156 


Vetta S^gal. 


at least, would still be bright. But, alas ! the 
light of discovery came and cast a shadow as 
wide as the world. 

‘*As for Professor Skoopmen’s philosophy, — 
well, it did help me considerably ; and perhaps 
my soul would not have rebelled if the consola- 
tion had been given to another rather than to 
myself. 

‘‘But to mysel/—6h, myself! ” 

For the moment, Alvarez Banning was incapa- 
ble of further utterance. Only the most imagina- 
tive and sympathetic nature can understand such 
distress. 

Miss Sdgal waited a few moments, foreseeing 
the climax of his unhappiness. 

“ There is only a spark of pride left in me ; 
but that, my good friend, will not permit your 
unbounded generosity.” 

“Mr. Banning, you are not a subject for re- 
proach, on the one hand, nor for pity on the 
other — except as regards your great distress ; but 
be assured that the conditions are very wrongs 
which make it possible for us to be thrown back- 


Yetta S^gal, 157 

ward and overwhelmed by any fact or considera- 
tion concerning our ancestry. 

am not troubled, much less humiliated, be- 
cause of the belief that my people — the Jews — 
could not, just a few thousand years ago, have 
been correctly classified as belonging to the Cau- 
casian type. Their origin is uncertain — it may 
have been Egyptian, as some claim, — no matter, 
it is enough for me to know that they developed 
on certain lines. Therefore, I should not be held 
responsible for any real or supposed imperfections 
of my ancestors. ” 

'^Yes,” replied Mr. Lanning, ^‘it would be 
unreasonable to attach any stigma to you. But 
it may be another matter as to social equality.” 

**My people,” she continued, “and certain 
other peoples — or representative individuals — 
have attained a growth which encourages general 
social intercourse. No prejudice can now effect- 
ually obstruct it. 

“Some zealous persons, hoping to realize a 
dream of emotional prophecy, are trying to con- 
centrate all the Jews in Palestine. This will 


158 


Yetta S^gaL 


never be accomplished, because the more intel- 
ligent people desire nothing of the kind. ’’ 

Perhaps the idea of such return was not to be 
taken in its literal sense,’’ he observed. 

‘‘Of course not; the isolation of any type of 
humanity, at a time when its best members show 
fitness for general association, would be retro- 
gression, In this age, when universal usefulness 
is especially valued, no such retrogressive move- 
ment can take place. 

“To-day, more fully than was possible in the 
past, the representative member of this or that 
race, the progressive inhabitant of this or that 
country, is a citizen of the wide world. 

“I hope you perceive how inevitable destiny 
is. Concentrated, my people would cease to be 
Jews, in any event ; for to some extent they have 
been molded by other peoples, and have been 
made both better and worse by their varied sur- 
roundings. 

‘ ‘ Even if they really are ' the chosen people, ’ 
they will be more acceptable to high heaven if 
they can help the mass of humanity upward. 


Yetta S^gal. 


159 


**In many instances the shortcomings and 
wrongdoings of the individual may be attributed 
to his race. The amount of harm involved is 
simply incalculable.'' 

“ It is well that distinctive types have about 
run their natural course. As they go out, real 
brotherhood will come in." 

'^That certainly is a noble view, nobly ex- 
pressed. " 

“To people in general," proceeded Miss Segal, 
“ a person of characteristic type is more or less of 
a curiosity, — certain qualities are grotesque or 
disagreeable, and even the monstrous is suggested 
to some child-like minds. 

“The conditions are bad indeed which enable 
us to find amusement by placing our fellow-being 
in the museum." 

The young man smiled, and shook his head in 
silent protest. 

“Plainly, the soul demands a more perfect 
human adjustment. In fact, intelligence has long 
been dissatisfied. Years ago, a woman of won- 
derful perception declared ; ‘ Our idea of beauty 


i6o 


Yetta S^gal. 


is never formed on the characteristics of a single 
race ! ' Evidently, she saw at least a part of that 
mysterious truth which our dear Professor views 
in its entirety. 

“You see, my friend, I can preserve- my 
equanimity through all this racial ferment, be- 
cause I am an earnest believer in Evolution.” 

“I perceive. Miss Segal, that you are some- 
what heterodox.” 

“ I do wish that you (and many others besides) 
would try to understand the immeasurable im- 
portance of this truth. The misfortune relative 
thereto is, that you think of it as a mere theory, 
or as a vague truth, belonging to a very remote 
period, when the quadruped was being metamor- 
phosed into a biped — more or less comically and 
.disgracefully ! 

“ Professor Skoopmen is entirely correct in say- 
ing that the phenomenon of race-blending is one 
of the many evolutionary movements that are 
now under way. He is right, too, in declaring 
that it is high time for the great encyclopedias 
to record a definite conclusion concerning this 


Yetta S^gaL 


i6i 


extensive and increasing movement, — whether 
it is abnormal and morbid, or normal and in- 
evitable. 

“ By the way, such pioneer thinkers as Darwin 
have shown the origin of Man ; our peculiar 
friend notes his destiny as to race-union ; and 
surely others will appear, from time to time, to 
interpret correctly the successive and glorious 
changes of the earth-god. ” 

The couple now began the return ; but there 
was more loitering, and occasionally a pause of 
a few moments, — the artist was enjoying the fine 
effects, and was ready to find a precious motif. 
Mr. Banning was passive and silent; but he 
looked with considerable faith (and perhaps some 
credulity) in the direction indicated by his trusty 
guide. The latter appeared to have full confi- 
dence in her ability to lead in the right direction. 

Presently Miss Segal stopped and called atten- 
tion to a small but lively stream which made that 
part of the landscape very attractive. Her com- 
panion mistakenly supposed that she was con- 
sidering it as so much material for Art, 

II 


Yetta S^gaL 


162 

**Mr. Lanning, do you know how far away 
and just where that stream has its source? 

^*No — I suppose it rises some distance back in 
the upland/' 

“Then you don’t know just what kind of a 
spring it is ? ” 

“ Of course not.” He thought she might wish 
to find it for the purpose of taking ” it. 

'‘Just over there,” continued the sweet voice, 
“ it comes through a dense thicket — how dark 
and gloomy ! ” 

“Yes, what a lonely, sad place — so mysteri- 
ous ! Miss Segal, I hope that you will not go to 
such places unattended.” 

“ No I I’ll promise to avoid the ugly, danger- 
ous places if j'ou will ! Gloomy place, truly ; 
but the dear stream comes through it safely, — 
indeed, it comes out in fine style, and plays 
with the moon in a very brilliant and ravishing 
way. Those grassy, dewy slopes — what exqui- 
site lines! See ! there are some lovely animals 
grazing.” 

Lanning looked over that way very intently. 


Yetta S^gaL 


163 

By this time something in the atmosphere, or 
elsewhere, caused him to imagine that the an- 
imals were eating poetically. 

^‘The stream, Mr. Banning ! the stream! It 
is going on a long, winding journey, and without 
a map — but listen ! Isn't that a most charming 
song ” 

“Yes." Yet Banning sighed a little. 

“It is all very mysterious," remarked his sym- 
pathetic companion, rather gravely. 

“Oh, yes! and there’s that same melancholy 
something." 

“But the mysterious sadness of it all did not 
prevent the amateur poetess calling such a stream 
a ‘ giggling brook ’ ; nor did some useful man — 
probably well paid by the newspapers — hesitate 
to declare that he ‘ loved to see the limpid brook 
limping down from the mountain. ’ " 

“No, and if I were in the humor, I could laugh 
at that." 

“It is not irresistibly funny, I think, but it is 
somewhat cheerful. Mr. Banning, a half hour 
since, you spoke with great feeling and much 


164 


Yetta S^gaL 


truth about mystery, which the heavens accentu- 
ate at night. It is true that our hearts are some- 
times wrung by it, in conjunction with sad rec- 
ollections. 

“But this omnipresent mystery, which op- 
presses you, I, use to reassure myself. 

“It is also true that the insistence of it all is 
awful — awesome, rather; but, for me, it is 
normal, happy development which is being in- 
sisted upon ; and so I am not intimidated, — nor 
am I willing that noble people shall be imposed 
upon by the unprogressive ghosts which hide in 
this mystery. 

“ It is very strange, I must say, — in the face of 
this infinite insistence upon the lofty and the sub- 
lime, it is strange that even a pessimist must 
yield to any disagreeable features or conditions 
which mystery permits for the time.” 

Mr. Banning was silent. He felt that this was 
not so pleasant as the silvery stream and the 
grazing animals. 

“Your poor ancestor, who tried to read signs 
of help in the night-sky, was surely developing 


Yetta S^gaL 


165 


a condition which would subsequently prove his 
affinity for the lovely, the profound, and the im- 
perishable. 

“ Of this truth, you yourself are the cumulative 
evidence, — you are really what you supposed 
yourself to be before you made the unhappy but 
very interesting discovery.” 

Alvarez Lanning now, and for the first time, 
truly realized how very wrong would be any op- 
position to such reason. But Miss Segal felt the 
impulse to say something more. 

“ My friend, if life were not characterized by 
aspiration and by the general upward movement, 
the seeming degradation of disorganized, or 
poorly organized material — (but you, yourself, 
are not an example of such organization) — would 
be a warranted basis for morbid belief, for 
ruinous discouragement. But the very chemistry 
of the soil is, upon the whole, favorable to man ; 
otherwise, he could not have risen, and further 
development would be impossible. So, the mar- 
velous interchange incident to existence in gen- 
eral counteracts any real or fancied odium which 


1 66 Yetta S^gaL 

may be identified with common material or re- 
pulsive condition. 

“On every side we may behold this law 
splendidly illustrated. Look up now, toward 
the moon, and note the beauty of those thin, 
bright clouds — that perfectly exquisite iridescent 
color ! ” 

‘‘ How lovely ! how ethereal ! ” 

‘^And yet those clouds, as mere vapor, may 
still bear some vanishing trace of poisonous 
germs, — indeed, they may still hold at least the 
ghost of that disagreeable odor which you so 
brightly (?) mentioned a few moments ago ! ” 

** MissSdgal, I most earnestly beg your pardon 
— not for perceiving it, but for speaking of it.” 

“Forgiven, Mr. Lanning — I see you may now 
be pardoned implicitly. I am sure you will never 
lapse again if you will only observe the rose- 
plant. Its strength, gathered from low sources, 
arises to traverse a thorny path to higher condi- 
tions. You well know that mere words are 
inadequate to describe the flower — no matter 
what the color ! The rose ! There comes a mo- 


Yetta Sigal. 


167 


ment when — no longer a dependent, attached to 
the soil — its exquisite fragrance, its paradisean 
soul, is cast forth free upon the air. 

“Do not forget, my dear friend, that Nature 
holds material, as well as inspiration, for emotion, 
for poetry, and for psychic exploration in strange 
provinces. So, we may be happily anticipative, 
while sailing the mysterious stream. The Un- 
known River ! ” 

“ My dear Yetta — I — you ” 

He held her to his heart, most felicitously ; he 
pressed kisses upon her lips, over and over. 

It was their first real love scene. Our Yetta 
Sdgal had brought the soul and body of Alvarez 
Lanning into harmony. 


i68 


Yetta S^gal. 


XIX. 

At a splendid evening reception in Washington 
City, recently, an elderly gentleman stood a little 
apart from a large and animated group of notice- 
able persons. He was in so contemplative a 
mood as to be comfortably indifferent to the fact 
that his spectacles were decidedly askew, and 
that the President was near him, looking around 
with evident anxiety for hand-shakers. 

For the time, this deeply abstracted person saw 
only with his mind. Within a few minutes, how- 
ever, he aroused himself, attached his mentality 
to his optics, as it were, adjusted his glasses and 
began carefully to observe the different groups 
about him. 

Apparently he was gratified, perhaps delighted, 
with that which impressed him ; for he smiled 
after the manner of those who smile pleasurably. 

That which the observant gentleman noted. 


Vetta S^gaL 169 

comprised a social spectacle which is more espe- 
cially characteristic of an important capital city, 
or a great metropolis — the occasion of interna- 
tional significance, the scene of extensive and 
pleasant cosmopolitanism. 

This spectator, therefore, had opportunity to 
study a society of interesting complexity. It 
was attractive, moreover, since the assembly was 
composed for the most part of handsome and ac- 
complished representatives of various nationalities 
and of several racial and developmental types. 

Considered as an exposition of motives, it was, 
of course, a most inviting field for the bright 
student. Even a conservative philosopher could 
not have found it to be discouraging, upon the 
whole, for only a portion of all that manifest 
pleasure could have been identified with mere 
scheming or questionable motive, — on the con- 
trary, a truly intelligent desire to please, an ethi- 
cal desire to enjoy, declared itself unmistakably 
and quite charmingly on every side. 

The quiet person, who for some time had been 
enjoying himself alone (on general principles), 


Yetta S^gaL 


170 

this capable dreamer was glad to assume a live- 
lier aspect and return the cordial greeting of cer- 
tain acquaintances who, passing his way, paused 
for an interchange of compliments. This little 
party included several notable residents of Hon- 
olulu. The stateliness of the matrons and the 
gracefulness of the young ladies were not less re- 
markable for their Hawaiian lineage, which was 
more or less apparent. Perhaps it was the con- 
sciousness of having a distinguishing proportion 
of good native blood in their well-constructed 
veins that reassured them ; at any rate, they 
spoke, smiled, and otherwise expressed them- 
selves, in the manner of serenity and propriety 
and womanly loveliness. 

The observant gentleman, apparently, had ex- 
pected to meet these travelers ; for he promptly 
produced a clipping from the evening newspaper 
and began to read some selections which were 
both relevant and inappropriate : 

Some of the gentlemen of this party have fine 
figures . . . immensely rich . . . peculiarity of 
their education makes them provokingly mis- 


Yetta S^gal. 171 

trustful of our charitable institutions and financial 
methods. . . . The females are well worth see- 
ing . . . descended from chieftains of very even 
disposition . . . tenacious constitutions — fore- 
fathers were looked after by formidable medicine- 
men . . . beauty, part wild, part tame . . . soft 
voices . . . large, lustrous eyes , . . ethereal 
locomotion, which suggests reminiscences of the 
gazelle. ” 

As the reader gave the party a look of gentle 
inquisitiveness, he was answered by a round of 
the most delightful if not delicious laughter. 

^‘Doctor,” said one of the ladies, “ I have dis- 
covered, by means of certain London journals, 
that a page of my ancestral history is entertain- 
ing, in a way. It shocks the English, but I feel 
that you Americans will not question my taste in 
alluding to it/’ 

The speaker, however, hesitated a little. 

“You can proceed with confidence, my dear 
madame — it is probably not in any way a ques- 
tion of taste.” 

“Yes, Doctor,” remarked a young lady, with 


1/2 Yetta S^gal. 

very promising eyes, — mater will convince 
you/' 

‘‘Well, then — since I’ve known for years that 
you kindly excuse my faults — one of my ances- 
tors was an Englishman, another was a Kame- 
hameha king. One of them attempted to absorb 
the property of the other, but — ” 

‘'He failed in the undertaking and ran away, 
of course.” 

“ No — the other absorbed him I ” 

“Heavens! was it really the fittest who sur- 
vived ? ” 

It was a sly Hawaiian gentleman who replied : 
“You, Doctor, must perceive that his course, 
which doubtless introduced the earliest form of 
race-union, entitles — ” 

A half-subdued explosion of laughter shook the 
listeners, including the spectacled gentleman. 

“ I am now convinced, madame, that certain 
peculiar evidences of civilization have been ex- 
hibited in your family for at least one hundred 
and fifty years. ” 

After a few moments of still more profitable 


Yetta S^gal. 173 

conversation, these people took leave of their 
good friend and departed from the reception. 

The evidence of his uncommon satisfaction 
still lingered on the open face of the quiet spec- 
tator — who, of course, was no other than Profes- 
sor Skoopmen, grown a little older (but possibly 
not much wiser) — when he was joined by three 
others, two ladies and a tall gentleman of about 
forty, whose presence was as distingu^ as it was 
handsome. Those whom he escorted were the 
Professor’s wife and his own, Mrs. Tanning — our 
Yetta Sdgal of former years. 

Mrs. Skoopmen’s Occidental experiences have 
not failed to add to her native charms. 

Mrs. Tanning is now the perfect matron, cer- 
tainly not less wise, perhaps even more attrac- 
tive, than at any previous time. Her individ- 
ualism and her mutualism are now perfectly 
balanced, her life beautifully accentuated. 

Yet those who composed this small party ap- 
peared to be in a state of more or less incomplete- 
ness, and just touched with some small anxiety. 
So, the hour being somewhat late, they proceeded 


174 


Yetta S^gaL 


through the magnificent apartments, with many 
solicitous glances toward the younger people. 
They were seeking their own precious children, 
now grown almost to maturity. 

Presently an exquisite vista disclosed the two 
youths — the Professor’s daughter and a rare 
mother’s son, — the couple was promenading in 
the almost deserted floral conservatory, now 
pausing to give animated attention to certain 
exciting exotics, now to the lovely indigenous 
flowers. 

The parents looked upon these heirs — so won- 
derfully composite, so harmoniously paired — 
with infinite admiration ; for already they had 
been additionally endowed with the wealth of 
life, and life’s mystery had permitted them to be 
symmetrical. 










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